Part Time Employment Specialist Supported Employment

About the role

The Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain competitive employment. This position involves a combination of job development, placement, and ongoing support services tailored to each individual's needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue employment opportunities that align with the person’s skills and interests, including conducting job searches, preparing for interviews, facilitating job placements, and providing career development, work readiness skills, and overall job discovery.
• Complete pre-employment and employment assessments with individuals.
• Provide on-the-job training and continuous support to ensure people adapt successfully to their work environments, including direct assistance at the workplace and regular follow-up for job retention.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices and secure job placements, including clarifying job duties, providing safety information, and facilitating communication between the employee and their employer. Act as a liaison between employers, individuals, businesses, families, and other support staff.
• Provide guidance on how earned income from employment may affect an individual’s benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid, and offer guidance on reporting earnings.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation while maintaining records of services provided, including case notes, reports, and other required documentation to ensure compliance with OPWDD and ACCES-VR standards.
• Provide support and services including job discovery, job training, job mentoring, and professional skills development in an individualized and/or group setting.
• Provide occasional transportation with individuals to assessment/work sites.
• Present a professional image to the business community at all times.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all employment services provided by Springbrook.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in providing services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with clients, families, and employers.
• Proficiency in computer software and email applications.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable access to transportation.
• Must be able to work varied hours to meet the needs of the individuals on caseload.