Employment Specialist for People with Disabilities

Employment Specialist

Brooklyn Community Services is one of Brooklyn's first and largest non-sectarian social services agencies, serving more than 10,000 individuals annually. Reporting to the Director of Supported Employment, the Employment Specialist provides the supports individuals need to obtain and maintain paid competitive employment within the community.

Responsibilities

• Meet with employers in the community and educate them about individuals with disabilities.
• Develop employment opportunities in the community.
• Aid individuals with disabilities in finding and retaining employment through individualized job search and preparation, and post-employment job coaching at the work site.
• Develop positive working relationships with employers and assist them in communicating with individuals, clarifying job duties, providing safety information, and facilitating productivity, client motivation, and client attendance.
• Provide job coaching and extended support services to assigned caseload of employed clients, both at and away from the job site, to assist them in remaining employed in the integrated labor market.
• Offer travel training, counseling, case management, and other supportive services necessary to maintain employment.
• Advocate for clients' possible need for accommodation on-site and off-site advocacy needs.
• Aid individuals who have lost their jobs in returning to employment by re-evaluating their employment goals, needs, and interests, and assisting them with interviews. Enlist assistance from parents and natural supports.
• Complete required chart documentation and monthly reports in a timely manner.

Qualifications Required

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of one year of experience in rehabilitation placement or related fields and enrollment in a specialized course approved by ACCES-VR.
• Applicant must be vetted by ACCES-VR.
• Knowledge of employer expectations of performance and employee behaviors.
• Knowledge of the local job market.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment and sensitivity to the needs of clients.
• Must undergo pre-employment screenings such as the Criminal Background Check required by OPWDD.