Employment Support Professional

About the role

The Employment Support Professional (ESP) will implement person-centered thinking and planning to assist individuals with developmental disabilities through employment services. The ESP will work one-on-one with individuals to discover strengths, interests, and individualized volunteer opportunities, and help them obtain and maintain jobs. They will also assist individuals in accessing transportation independently and accompanying them on volunteer and job sites.

Responsibilities

• To implement and document each individual's total person-centered plan encouraging maximum independence and self-worth.
• To evaluate, develop, and implement a plan for service delivery based on strengths and interests.
• To provide support and training while fostering community inclusion and increasing awareness of employment opportunities in the community.
• To assist in the coordination/participation/documentation of individual meetings.
• To educate, support, and promote individuals to access transportation independently.
• To accompany individuals on volunteer/job sites, assisting them in tasks and assessments.
• To comply with all state, federal, and agency policies, procedures, and regulations as indicated by OPWDD.
• To maintain all individuals' records, ensuring filing, accuracy, compliance, updating.
• To operate agency vehicles in compliance with agency policies/procedures, and traffic laws, ensuring, documenting vehicle maintenance/condition.
• To maintain a calm, tolerant, kind, courteous, accepting environment in compliance with the individuals' service plan and plan of protective oversight, while in the individuals' residence and community.
• To provide, ensure a safe work/living environment including compliance with all safety policies/procedures and regulations.
• To attend any trainings, meetings, updates as necessary/required. To acquire and maintain all required certifications in accordance with agency policy. Attend and participate in staff meetings on a regular basis and assure attendance at all mandatory meetings.
• To remain aware/respectful of the individuals' rights and responsibilities; immediately reporting any concerns or issues of potential harm, mistreatment, or rights restriction.
• To work at any/all residences, upon request, throughout the agency to assure appropriate coverage and assist when the need arises.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma/GED plus 2 years experience working with individuals with disabilities OR
• An Associates Degree in a Human Services Related Field with 1 year experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (training provided)
• Program specific training (provided)
• A valid NYS Drivers License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if using your own vehicle.
• Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous, and patient manner at all times

Physical / Cognitive Requirements

• Lifting/transferring - individuals/items of various weights - must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Bending/Reaching/Pushing/Pulling
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Reading/Math skills at a level to perform job duties (read/implement physician orders, give medications as ordered, prepare recipes, read program documentation, etc.)
• Demonstrated interest and ability to make possible the personal outcomes of individuals receiving services
• Exposure/ability to safely use household chemicals
• Adherence to Agency Policies, including Attendance Policy