Employment Specialist

About the role

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing advocacy, independent living skills training, peer counseling, information and referral, and related services designed to help people with disabilities maximize their opportunities for employment. The individual in this position will serve as a role model and mentor for people with disabilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Evaluate the consumer’s preferences for employment, accommodation needs, current skills levels and possible contributions, to employment through intake, assessment, observation, contacts with the individual’s identified support network, etc.
• Utilize the information gathered through discovery to assist the individual achieve his/her vocational goal through the development of specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-limited action steps.
• Complete billing, monthly progress reports, satisfaction surveys, other funder requirements and other data work requested in a timely manner, according to department policy.
• Assist in the provision of skills trainings and general advocacy.
• Utilize community settings for observation, career exploration, potential job opportunities, etc.
• Participate actively as part of the services team: attend staff meetings, in-service trainings and other trainings/meetings per accreditation requirements.
• Follow up with participants through weekly meetings to ensure goal progression (or need for revision), and the fulfillment of weekly action steps and assignments.
• Provide post placement support when necessary.
• Receive Information and Referral Calls, provide advocacy, peer support, transition or refer consumers to other staff to provide these services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout Jackson, Cass, Clay, Platte (MO) and Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte (KS) counties.
• High School Diploma or GED with 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in: Disability services or advocacy, Employment support or vocational rehabilitation, Case management or social services, Workforce development or job coaching, Community outreach or peer support.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s Degree in related field.
• Knowledgeable about community services.
• Personal experience with a Disability.

Competencies

• Effective written and oral communications skills.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality.
• The ability to successfully interact with individuals, businesses and service organizations on all levels.
• The ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Organizational skills.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and experience in a database environment.