Employment Specialist

About the role

Achieving True Self is growing and we are looking for Employment Specialists to join our team! An Employment Specialist is responsible for providing job-readiness and vocational coaching services. You will prepare your client for sustainable career opportunities, and assist them in obtaining competitive integrated employment. This will include implementing established processes and use of program-specific resources designed to support adults and transition age students with Autism/neurodivergent needs and other various disabilities in a variety of workplace settings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare your client for sustainable career opportunities, and assist them in obtaining competitive integrated employment.
• Implement established processes and use of program-specific resources designed to support adults and transition age students with Autism/neurodivergent needs and other various disabilities in a variety of workplace settings.
• Identify individual abilities & interests, coach on critical workplace skills, model appropriate social interactions, redirect perseverative behaviors, prepare for following written procedures and work instructions, interpret environmental cues, identify sensory needs, and discuss accommodations.
• Support the workplace by coaching coworkers, consulting and coaching clients managers, and consulting with other paid supports related to employment.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.
• Driver’s License: A valid Pennsylvania driver's license with proof of car insurance, Pennsylvania vehicle registration, and a good driving record.
• Certification: ACRE certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Clearances: FBI Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History (Act 33) and PA Criminal History (Act 34) clearances are required by the Office of Developmental Programs.
• CPR: Valid CPR certification upon hire. If CPR is not valid upon hire, CPR training will be provided.
• Comfort using technology: Ability to use iPad and/or other tablet devices for documentation. General knowledge of computer systems, including Windows and Google products.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.
• Driver’s License: A valid Pennsylvania driver's license with proof of car insurance, Pennsylvania vehicle registration, and a good driving record.
• Certification: ACRE certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Clearances: FBI Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History (Act 33) and PA Criminal History (Act 34) clearances are required by the Office of Developmental Programs.
• CPR: Valid CPR certification upon hire. If CPR is not valid upon hire, CPR training will be provided.
• Comfort using technology: Ability to use iPad and/or other tablet devices for documentation. General knowledge of computer systems, including Windows and Google products.

Skills

• Ability to build strong therapeutic rapport with clients.
• Knowledge of workplace communications, task completion, and problem solving.
• Ability to consult with management and coworkers to adapt and best support the client in the workplace.
• Ability to lead Paid Work Experience (PWE) sessions for clients or experiential job try-outs based on their individual needs and available workplace experiences.
• Ability to facilitate and participate in job shadow opportunities for individuals as authorized.
• Ability to manage time and appointments to ensure consistent and effective service delivery in accordance with program timelines.
• Ability to communicate with program leadership regarding employer outreach needs and opportunities.
• Ability to directly communicate with employers to explore opportunities for program clients and share worksite based needs.
• Ability to complete all necessary documentation associated with hours billed.
• Ability to maintain eligibility for direct services through participation in essential training programs and supervision as needed.
• Ability to transport clients to/from interviews, project sites, or scheduled service locations on an as needed basis.

Benefits

• Bi-weekly, competitive pay.
• Paid time off.
• Floating holiday hours.
• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement options.
• Supplemental insurance and short term disability plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Performance reviews conducted with supervisors to foster professional development.
• Tuition discounts, college and university partnerships, and continued education and supervision opportunities.
• Paid training for ACRE within the first 6 months of employment.
• Client matching based on location and availability.

Pay

The range for this position is $17-$21/hour based on commensurate experience.

Schedule

Your availability needs to be flexible to match to the employment schedule of the clients you support. Availability should include a minimum of 2-3 evenings a week and flexibility on the weekends.