Employment Specialist - Work Therapy Assistant

About the role

The Employment Specialist works with and helps program participants who have varied abilities, including cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, and physical disabilities, to obtain work through Customized Employment. Customized Employment allows individuals with disabilities and employers to negotiate job tasks and responsibilities to improve overall workplace contribution.

Responsibilities

• Work as a liaison between local businesses and program participants for community-based employment opportunities.
• Set up sites in the community for work assessments, job try-outs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
• Aid program participants in finding, obtaining, teaching, and ongoing support with community jobs.
• Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff, and others to coordinate supports and aid in achieving success.
• Affirmatively seek out and implement resources involving assistive technology to maintain successful employment.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Labor, MN state licensing, and CARF standards.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Basic math skills.
• Clear communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read and write English.
• One year of experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals with disabilities OR one year of experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.
• Knowledge, training/certification/education, and/or implementation of Customized Employment.
• Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
• Experience finding resources involving assistive technology to maintain successful employment.