Employment Specialist

Qualifications

• High School/GED diploma required.
• 0-2 years’ relevant experience required.
• Must be able to interact well with team members, business representatives and with people receiving services.
• NYS driver’s license is mandatory and must be insurable under New Hope’s insurance regulations (see Human Resources Office for specifics).
• Flexibility in schedules along with assigned tasks and functions is essential.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for learning and utilizing the SEMP Employment Specialist Training Curriculum.
• Responsible for learning structured intervention techniques to assist the employee to learn to perform job tasks to the employer’s specifications and to learn the interpersonal skills necessary for employment.
• Responsible for assessing employment sites in order to effectively train worker with disabilities.
• Responsible for all skills training, both onsite/offsite, of all individuals.
• Responsible for providing the following employment specialist skill training: Advocacy, task analysis, developing necessary job accommodations, teaching appropriate work behaviors and interpersonal skills, job assessments, reinforce travel training and other services needed to maintain employment.
• Responsible for evaluating participant progress in supported employment, document that progress and develop a training plan to address any job related issues.
• Transport supported workers to and from the job site as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining all written documentation pertinent to maintaining an individual in supported employment including case notes, monthly reports and ACCES-VR reports.
• Implement plans, as directed, to support career and employment interests and goals of the individual.
• Completion of Tier 1- ACCES-VR Employment Services Delivery within 24 months of employment start date.
• Completion of 24 hours of OPWDD’s Innovations in Employment Supports Trainings within 12 months of being hired.

Additional Functions

• Provide oversight and follow along services such as counseling, problem solving, etc., as may be required to secure and support employment and facilitate adjustment.
• Participate in and attend all in-service training programs as scheduled.
• Maintain New Hope Community driver’s certification and be responsible for all vehicles and vehicle tracking systems necessary to the transportation of individuals to supported work sites.
• Adhere to principles set forth by the Council of Quality and Leadership.
• Carry out any other responsibilities deemed necessary to the supervisor.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Occasional sitting, pushing, pulling, squatting and bending.
• Occasional need to lift up to 50 lbs independently and up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Occasional need for physical intervention.
• Potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Frequent driving.
• Ocassional computer work.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $17.00.