Description

Job Summary:

Provide vocational services to individuals with disabilities who have been referred to Cascade Connections by agencies such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and Foundational Community Supports. Required skills and duties vary based on the unique skills, abilities, and vocational goals of the individual served. Key components of this position include job development, community relations, case management, and job coaching.

Responsibilities:

• Develop community integrated-employment and assessment sites by networking, interacting with employers and community members, cold-calling, participating in community organizations, and maintaining an understanding of the local labor market
• Develop and maintain network of businesses and employers and negotiate with businesses on behalf of people we serve to create potential job matches
• Maintain familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodations
• Assist those we serve in navigating and utilizing community resources, including social service systems and programs such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Foundational Community Supports, Division of Services for the Blind, Housing, food stamps and other benefits, and Social Security
• Support those we serve in seeking and sustaining community-integrated employment
• Provide intake, assessment, and development of vocational plans with individuals, family members, counselors, case managers, and support staff
• Write professional assessments in accordance with contracting agencies
• Follow and occasionally create Positive Behavior Support Plans
• Support those we serve in achieving goals and objectives based on the individual’s Employment Plan and the goals they have set for themselves
• Assist in social skills development, communication skills, on-the-job training, verbal cues, transit training, money management, consumer choice, task breakdown, personal safety, informed choice, self-esteem, personal empowerment, and self-advocacy
• Understand that each individual is unique in their need for supports, and provide individualized supports tailored to the person’s skills, abilities, vocational goals, resources, disability, values, culture, history, strengths, and weaknesses
• Develop communication techniques specific to each individual
• Provide appropriate training/coaching for individuals on a one-to-one basis and utilize appropriate training methods such as job analysis, task analysis, positive behavior supports, and cue and prompting strategies
• Identify potential barriers/support needs for employment and provide support to overcome them
• Develop natural supports to enable people to work as independently as possible
• Coordinate logistics with all parties involved (people we serve, family, residential, transportation, & employer)
• Provide a positive role model for interactions between individuals we serve and community members
• Maintain precise written documentation of all support provided to those we serve
• Maintain accurate data and documentation of community placement, including location, length of placement, contact name and number, job retention statistics, wage and work hours, pay stubs, and other pertinent information
• Accurately track and turn in timesheets for individuals we serve, and ensure that all paperwork is completed thoroughly and submitted in a timely fashion
• Maintain precise written documentation of all support provided to those we serve
• Perform clerical activities to support the overall efficiency and effectiveness in the service delivery provided by Cascade Connections, including (but not limited to) answering the phones and greeting those we serve
• Provide relief job coaching as-needed, including filling in when others are sick or supporting individual placements
• Participate in regular meetings with team and/or Program Director regarding the progression of individuals’ goals and next action steps
• Attend required trainings
• Abide by agency policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality for all people we serve and adhering to the dress and appearance standards consistent with the position
• Provide mentorship and support to newer coworkers who are learning about providing discovery, development, and retention services to the individuals we support.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent (higher education in related fields preferred)
• Effectively communicates and understands, reads, and writes in English
• Willing to submit to for-cause drug testing
• Pass a DSHS background check
• Willing to fulfill non-standard work hours to meet immediate, short-term coaching needs
• Work well with people and demonstrate leadership qualities
• Make quick and independent decisions
• Return phone calls and emails in a timely manner
• Work independently and in a team environment
• Represent Cascade Connections professionally in the community
• Be organized and efficient
• Use strong problem-solving skills
• Use Microsoft Business and Google Workspace applications
• Believe that all people can and should work
• Experience working with people with diverse backgrounds and ethnicities preferred
• Meet the Additional Requirements below in the specified time frames

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license, clear driving record, and reliable transportation (upon hire)
• Able to get to work during inclement weather (personal vehicle, public transportation, or Uber/ taxi)
• Cell phone (upon hire)
• US bank account for direct deposit (upon hire)
• Pass federal fingerprint background check (initial background check authorization submitted within 1 day of hire; fingerprints for federal background check submitted prior to working unsupervised)
• Orientation & Safety Training and Policy & Procedures Training (first day of employment)
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification (within 30 days of hire, prior to working unsupervised)
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training (within 30 days of hire)
• Developmental Disability Specialty Training (within 90 days of hire)
• RIGHT RESPONSE Training (within 90 days of hire)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to drive at night and in inclement weather
• Able to work at computer or desk area for extended periods of time
• Able to stand for up to four hours at a time
• Able to work in a variety of settings, including outside in both warm and cold temperatures and inside in environments that may be hot, dusty, or have strong smells such as common cleaning chemicals
• Frequent standing, walking and sitting
• Pushing, pulling, crouching and reaching as required
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
• To perform chest compressions for CPR, kneeling on ground with straight arms and required pressure

Benefits

• Vacation
• Sick leave
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life insurance

Cascade Connections is an Equal Opportunity Employer and stands committed to Affirmative Action.