Employment Support Professional

To support individuals with disabilities with their efforts to secure and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the growth and maintain census of the program by conducting outreach, intake, and assessment activities.
• Form and maintain strong relationships with funders to secure referrals.
• Process all referrals by making initial contact within 48 hours to confirm interest in the services.
• Establish and facilitate an intake meeting.
• Conduct initial intake assessment to determine strengths, areas of improvement, interests, and background.
• Conduct community-based assessments as requested by the funder by securing an assessment site in the community, train and observe the individual, document the observations, and write a report detailing the outcomes.
• Develop community integrated job opportunities and provide on-the-job training services to ensure successful employment for individuals with disabilities.
• Assist the consumer with job readiness skills such as resume development or interview preparation.
• Assist with contacting employers that meet the interests and skills of the consumer.
• Complete a job analysis as needed to help determine if a job matches the skills and interests of the consumer.
• Assist with establishing and participating in interviews depending on the abilities of the consumer.
• Provide on-the-job training if needed to teach not only job specific skills but soft skills as well.
• Provide on-going services after placement to ensure job stabilization and longevity.
• Work with the employer to establish reasonable accommodations.
• Help to establish natural supports.
• Develop and perform a follow-up plan.
• Maintain regular contact with the consumer and employer (with consumer’s approval) to ensure success.
• Complete required documentation and data collection to ensure compliance and quality.
• Complete all documentation in a timely manner within Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) to meet all requirements of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Complete all documentation as required in the 6400 regulations.
• Track outcome data in database systems used by CLASS.
• Become a valued member of the consumer’s support team to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Participate in consumer support team meetings as necessitated through the funding source.
• Communicate progress of the consumer with the support team on a regular basis as outlined in funding requirements or as agreed upon by the consumer and team.
• Perform duties in a manner that promotes and supports the mission, vision, and values of CLASS to ensure effective and efficient services are provided.
• Support individual choice, the achievement of desired community integration, and the person-centered philosophy.
• Communicate in a professional, discreet, and tactful manner.
• Complete tasks in a self-directed, organized, and efficient manner.
• Maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Render and accept criticism in a professional manner.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least one year of experience with individuals with disabilities in a personal or professional manner.
• OR, Associate degree in related field and at least three years of experience with individuals with disabilities in a personal or professional manner.
• Credentialed as a Certified Employment Support Professional through APSE or have received a National Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educator’s (ACRE). Or credential must be acquired during the first nine months of employment.
• Working knowledge of applicable regulations and requirements.
• Current Criminal History Clearance.

Skills

• Positive and effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational and writing skills.
• Attention to detail and thorough follow up.
• Critical thinking and independent judgement and decision-making skills.

Other Job Requirements

• Have access to reliable transportation.
• Attend trainings related to job functions, as required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to see and interact with text and graphical information on a screen.
• Ability to receive and respond to phone calls.
• Ability to use office equipment.
• Regularly travel locally.
• Regularly work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Regularly work in a climate-controlled home or office environment or another approved location in the community.