Employment Specialist

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities! We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We want to hear from you if you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection!

 Why consider a career at CHSC?

 We offer a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

• A culture committed to community and compassion.
• A friendly and caring environment that is professional but warm with pathways to advance into aspiring roles. 
• Staff longevity – 50% of our staff have been with us for 5 years. of whom started in entry-level roles that have developed into fulfilling careers lasting 10 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, and other positions.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work that enriches the lives of others.

 The Role: 

The Employment Specialist is considered a lead job coach who is responsible for supporting CareerAbility in all aspects of employment support including employment, job retention, training, volunteering, and discovery. The Employment Specialist typically supports individuals who are in customized employment settings but may also support others who are building their pre-vocational skills or in individual/group-supported employment or volunteering. Establishing rapport and relationships with employers to ensure successful placements is a key component of the role, as well as building positive rapport with individuals. The Employment Specialist implements job coaching strategies with individuals to support success on the work site. They complete reports and task analyses, vocational progress notes, and required documentation. 

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or related field and/or a minimum of 2 years of related job coaching or industry experience. 

• Ideal candidates are endorsed by ACRE in Customized Employment and have an active credential in this capacity. Familiarity with customized employment as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Disability Employment Policy, APSE & Employment First principles. Knowledge of state employer incentives and other incentive programs is beneficial.
• Must have excellent communication and writing skills, teaching ability, display empathy toward individual needs, and balance numerous account relationships.

• Knowledgeand understanding of adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders and the employment challenges and opportunities for this population. Experience as an employment support professional (CESP) preferred.

• Ability to effectively balance the needs of two individuals: the employer and potential employee (i.e., client) to ensure effectiveness in placements. 
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, independent problem solver; prefers variety in their work assignments.
• Computer skills – word, excel, web-based, and database experience required. 
• High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Haven’s values.
• Openness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Valid driver’s license with a personal vehicle and acceptable driving record. Daily use of an insured and reliable personal vehicle. Public Service License (PSL) preferred or eligible to obtain. 

Do you not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ , and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. If you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!