Employment Specialist

Bridgewell strengthens communities by providing an unmatched range of social and human services that empower people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed, and productive lives. Bridgewell delivers support through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. We're committed to helping people in need, from those with autism to people with substance use disorders, become engaged members of their communities. Bridgewell is also the industry leader in developing innovative offerings responding to unmet or emerging needs.

About the Role

The Employment Specialist will support individuals with developmental disabilities, Autism, and behavioral health challenges to achieve goals, overcome barriers, and become more independent members of their community through a full range of activities including career exploration and community engagement both on site and off site.

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00 pm (40 hours per week)

Responsibilities

• Mentor, support, and train individuals both 1:1 and in group settings to reach greater independence, engage in meaningful activities, and achieve their goals.
• Implement an individualized program, based on each person's goals in accordance with their Individual Service Plan.
• Maintain documentation and data according to specified timelines.
• Monitor individuals' work progress and the effectiveness of various employment and vocational opportunities.
• Provide direct care support with activities of daily living as needed, including but not limited to Med Administration (according to MAP regulations), personal care, dining, and mobility support.
• Act as a role model who demonstrates appropriate social interactions with employers and the public.
• Promote the full integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities through positive community contributions and relationship development.
• Participate in all general programmatic duties (including but not limited to transportation, arrivals, breaks, lunches, departures).
• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of the program, follow cleaning schedule, and report any maintenance issues.
• Protect everyone's rights and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain core training certifications including FA/CPR, PABC and MAP and all other mandatory training courses based on Bridgewell's policies and procedures.
• Maintain other additional required training and certifications required by the program.
• Develop positive relationships with guardians, family members and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the core philosophy of universal supports by embracing Bridgewell's core values: dignity, respect, caring, integrity, safety and wellness.
• Attend and participate in program staff meetings and supervision meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least six (6) months of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, developmental training program, or related experience in the human services field.
• Knowledge and understanding of principles of human rights and positive behavior supports.
• Must have a current US driver's license and one year of driving experience.
• Computer literacy to include the ability to use proficiently Microsoft products and web-based applications used by the agency.
• Proficient in planning, prioritizing, and executing assigned tasks efficiently and on time.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Actively listens and demonstrates empathy and understanding.
• Sets clear boundaries while showing compassion and respect.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of staff working in Bridgewell programs assisting people with their care needs vary and require the employee to be able to maneuver people of varying weights, and provide lifting, balance support and physical intervention in several scenarios. Described below are essential requirements of staff to ensure the safety of employees and people served alike. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions; however, approval will be based on the needs of the persons served and consideration of safety factors related to any program or position within a program.

• Climb stairs, physically assist people served, often weighing more than 200 pounds, with movement, bathroom routines including toileting, assisting with entry and exit of a tub or shower, getting into and out of wheelchairs or dealing with assists that include physical, behavioral and medical interventions.
• Additional lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, climbing stairs or moving may be required as part of activities in the daily living of people in our services.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits: medical, dental, vision.
• Generous paid time off including your birthday off.
• A collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.
• With over one hundred programs in the North Shore, Lowell, and Merrimack Valley, we provide excellent opportunities for training and development.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Requires acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.