WFS Employment Specialist (DDA Program)

Summary

Provide employment services to individuals with disabilities & disadvantages to include evaluation, assessment, training, coaching, placement, & retention services. Supervise &/or provide direct employment services to both funded & unfunded program participants earning commensurate or non-commensurate wages. Driving is required so must have valid driver's license, clean driving record, proof of personal auto insurance, & pass driver record, & background check.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 1-3 months related experience &/or training; or equivalent combination of education & experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with development & implementation of programs & services.
• Assist with the screening of referrals for appropriate program & service options.
• Establish & maintain good working relationships with employers, participants, referral agencies, & all team members.
• Follow up on participant progress.
• Ensure all paperwork & related activities are current, accurate, & in compliance.
• Enter required data into the Participant Case Management database in a timely & accurate manner.
• Stay informed of state & federal laws affecting the organization & the people it serves.
• Submit data for continuous improvement outcome reporting system.
• Attend meetings, conferences, training, & workshops.
• Make recommendations on necessary changes in policy or management style.
• Track revenue & expenses.
• Meet or exceed projected revenue or billable hour goals.
• Provide services in accordance with Goodwill policies, CARF standards, & principles of safety.
• Assist in developing natural supports for participants.
• Assist participants in achieving the highest level of independent functioning.
• Facilitate Person-Centered Planning.
• Review each participant's referral information, vocational assessments, psychological profiles, work assets &/or limitations to determine appropriate job match.
• Gather data & write reports of participants' work behaviors & progress.
• Perform job & task analysis.
• Provide hands-on supervision & support to participants/employees during their learning & performance of job duties.
• Act as a job coach & trainer for program participants.
• Develop & conduct job-readiness services to ensure participants receive necessary assistance & instruction.
• Stay informed of current wage trends.
• Assist participants in seeking, obtaining, & retaining transitional & competitive employment.
• Develop jobs related to participants' abilities, limitations, job needs, & desires.
• Educate individuals about educational/career planning opportunities.
• Model appropriate work behaviors & interpersonal skills.
• Assist employer with participant training, support, & job accommodations.
• Assist employer in developing natural supports for participants.
• Educate employers about the effectiveness, profitability, & benefits of employing individuals with disabilities &/or disadvantages.
• Inform business, labor, & the general public about Goodwill services & available potential employees.
• Determine the worksite is properly equipped to ensure participant safety.
• Work at more than one location with multiple caseloads.
• Provide Independent Living services as directed by contract & service plan/authorization.
• Follow all policies, procedures, & directives of Goodwill Industries assuring safety of personnel or property.
• Work collaboratively with WFS to provide participant services.
• Properly wear & maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain agency confidentiality. Violation of confidentiality is cause for immediate dismissal.
• Comply with all health, safety, & fire standards & all local, state, & federal regulations (WISHA & OSHA).
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay

$20.00 p/h

Benefits

Employment benefits available: https://discovergoodwill.org/benefits/