Employment Specialist - Work Therapy Assistant

About the role

As an Employment Specialist you will work with and help our program participants who are individuals that have varied abilities including, but not limited to, cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury and physical disabilities obtain work through Customized Employment. Customized Employment is a process that allows individuals with disabilities and employers the opportunity to negotiate job tasks and/or reassign job duties to improve overall contribution in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between local businesses (employers) and program participants for community based employment opportunities
• Obtain and set up sites in the community for work assessments, job try-outs, internships, and volunteer opportunities
• Assist program participants in finding, obtaining, teaching, and on-going support with community jobs
• Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff and others so that supports can be coordinated and individuals can achieve their optimum success
• Assist the program to meet Department of Labor, MN state licensing and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Current and valid driver's license
• Basic math skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply and divide
• Clear communication skills to understand and communicate complex employment services with community members, employers and teams
• Basic computer skills sufficient to create word documents, receive and respond to email
• Ability to read and write English
• A minimum of one-year experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals who have cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependency, physical disability, brain injury and/or displaced workers OR one year experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Pay & schedule

Salary range: $24.54 – $31.43 / hourly. Rotating shift (hours may vary depending on the needs of program, e.g. 7 am – 3:30 pm; 3 pm – 11 pm). Days of work vary; may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays. Travel required (50%, transport and accompany individuals as needed).

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify; for more information, visit studentaid.gov)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support – a voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance; common sources of stress addressed include mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.