Employment Training Specialist

Location: Westchester County, NY (Multiple locations, travel required)

About the Role

As a Program Specialist in Westchester SEMP, you will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their employment goals. This role involves direct supervision, crisis management, and person-centered planning while adhering to OPWDD Core Competencies and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, wellness, and safety by providing appropriate supervision and managing crisis situations in compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Implement person-centered plans and assist with tasks such as:
  • Developing staff action plans
  • Supporting job placement and person-centered advocacy
  • Facilitating ethical decision-making
• Support individuals with I/DD in realizing, setting, and meeting employment goals, helping them overcome personal barriers through respectful communication and person-first language.
• Manage a caseload of individuals, scheduling workplace visits, virtual and in-person meetings, and coordinating with Care Managers and other professional supports.
• Assist individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding their personal rights and providing emotional support.
• Provide pre-employment counseling, job development support, and facilitate training groups to teach professional skills and behaviors.
• Supervise and provide on-site job coaching, training, and support at job sites in alignment with each individual’s employment goals.
• Travel across the assigned region to visit individuals at their workplaces, gather feedback from employers, and address any issues or concerns.
• Serve as a collaborative team member, communicating programmatic needs and maintaining a solution-oriented approach.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment using Personal Outcome Measures, Person-Centered Thinking, and Informed Decision Making.
• Model professionalism, punctuality, and accountability while managing time and responsibilities effectively.
• Facilitate fire safety training, including emergency and evacuation drills at assigned worksites.
• Develop specialized clinical knowledge related to supporting adults with challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
• Complete all required paperwork and documentation accurately and within specified timeframes (e.g., incident reports, progress notes, billing).
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
• Perform direct support professional tasks, such as personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs), if trained and authorized.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent; or
• One year of work experience providing vocational or pre-vocational services to individuals with disabilities.
• Completion of OPWDD-approved vocational rehabilitation or supported employment training program and annual retraining, as required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel throughout the assigned region.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with email, Workday, and related systems.
• Ability to model and teach work readiness skills and appropriate workplace behavior.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, excellent verbal and written communication, and strong time management skills.
• Flexibility, initiative, and willingness to work with individuals with I/DD in an occupational setting.
• Physical ability to meet job demands, including:
  • Frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
  • Using hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
  • Lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds occasionally.
  • Assisting individuals with job-related functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or some college (may be required for certain contracts).
• Two years of experience assisting people with barriers to employment (may be required for certain contracts).
• Work or life experience with individuals with I/DD.
• Valid NY State Driver’s License (highly preferred for areas with limited public transportation).

Pay

$19.05/hour

Schedule

Full-time, Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm