SPARK EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

About the Role

The SPARK Employment Specialist coordinates and provides pre-vocational and job planning services, as well as supported employment services, to individuals receiving subminimum wage who have expressed interest in exploring Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) under the SPARK grant. The position is responsible for job development, intensive training, and long-term support services.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to Wake Enterprises Code of Ethics at all times.
• Ensure no person is subject to abuse, neglect, or exploitation; report any suspected cases immediately.
• Provide CIE Outreach to individuals with IDD to help them make informed choices regarding CIE.
• Receive referrals, conduct initial interviews, and assist the SPARK Navigator with developing and monitoring service plans.
• Participate in meetings to determine referrals and services tailored to individual needs, considering CIE and meaningful day options.
• Assist the Navigator in gathering and reporting data elements required by the SPARK grant and project team.
• Work with participants and stakeholders to identify barriers to employment and develop skill sets to address them.
• Monitor the progress of all SPARK participants.
• Communicate with participants, families, caregivers, and team members to support employment plans and integrate other services as needed.
• Support participants with CIE goals and intervene on their behalf as necessary.
• Use reliable transportation to attend meetings and may transport participants.
• Develop opportunities for supported internships to provide experiential learning for SPARK participants.
• Assess clients’ vocational function and interests on an ongoing basis using background information, discovery, observation, and work experiences.
• Conduct job development and job search activities tailored to the individual’s interests and uniqueness.
• Model appropriate interviewing techniques, personal hygiene, social interactions, and work skills for competitive employment.
• Advocate for participants’ strengths and abilities to prospective employers.
• Provide training and retention services to ensure client success and employer satisfaction.
• Identify and address difficult areas requiring special attention or modification to help participants succeed.
• Assist participants in responding to employer needs and integrating socially into the workplace.
• Help participants utilize public transportation or other means to access competitive employment opportunities.
• Work one-on-one with participants to teach job performance, using props as needed.
• Collect and maintain daily data; complete worksite safety checklists initially and annually.
• Maintain case files, write detailed case notes, and track grant-required statistics for reports.
• Attend mandatory agency trainings, meetings, and assure confidentiality of those served.
• Document time worked accurately and perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, staff, and professionals.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Follow and enforce safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area and complete assigned cleaning duties.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of participant information.
• Observe work hours and be punctual for appointments and meetings.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Clean background record and ability to pass a drug screening prior to hire and randomly thereafter.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of experience in the field of human services; experience with IDD population preferred.
• Strong belief in CIE for individuals with IDD.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License with a clean driving record and proof of current insurance.
• NCI CORE certification.
• May be required to receive Hepatitis B Immunization, First Aid Certification/CPR, and Medication Administration Certification.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and solution-focused ability to ensure SPARK participants achieve CIE.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple individuals simultaneously.
• Ability to gather, track, and submit large data fields by predefined deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and understanding of community-based and work programs.
• Experience working with computers.

About the Company

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies, enabling them to advance their mission and vision. The organization focuses on geographical program expansion and quality outcome measures to create cost savings, reinvesting in stakeholders through capacity creation and improved employee compensation.