JOB TITLE: Workforce Innovation Specialist

The Employment Specialist encourages people supported in leading self-directed/ person centered lives as employed, participating, and contributing members of their communities. The Employment Specialist will oversee the general job placement, supported employment, exploration, discovery, community participation, facility-based, and vocational training programs. The Employment Specialist will assist people supported to identify their occupational goals and assist in the development and implementation of strategies to meet self-sufficiency. The Employment Specialist will assist with fading supports and/or identifying natural supports and/or enabling technology to increase independence. The Employment Specialist performs all duties necessary to meet state and federal guidelines and requirements to maintain a high-quality person-centered program in accordance with Company standards, vision, and mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

• · Facilitate efforts to assist people supported in achieving their goals and personal visions as outlined by their Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP), Individual Plans for Employment (IPE) and the person’s own vision for a meaningful life.

· Ensure people supported in the vocational training program are participating in focused skill building for jobs in the community. Program skills should be transferable from the worksite to the community.

· Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of person’s supported building disability awareness and providing education about employment and disabilities. Attending networking events in the community.

· Attends networking events in the community.

· Engages person supported to establish a trusting, collaborative relationship directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities. Evaluates person’s supported vocational functioning, experience, skills, and interests on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.

· Assesses experience, skills, and interests of persons’ supported through interviews to identify suitable job opportunities; assists in completing employment applications, sets up interviews with potential employers, accompanies individuals to interviews or arranges transportation.

· Works with employers and the Employment Coaches to develop natural supports and/or technology that can make the persons’ support independent on the job site. Follows up with employers regarding job placement status to address any concerns or issues.

· Provides individualized stabilization and monitoring supports to assist person is supported in maintaining employment. Provides timely interventions. Returns phone calls and reacts to situations in a timely manner. For example, goes to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours. Follows up on job leads within 48 hours. Meets with person’s supported and potential employers timely and prior to job starting.

· Documentation will be completed in accordance with the program supported’ s guidelines using the required forms, electronic health record, and documentation submitting in accordance with the agreement for the services. Supervise and directs Workforce Managers, Employment Coaches, and Direct Support Professionals who are providing supports to person’s supported in the Workforce Department.

· Consider a variety of enabling technology in a person supported’ s life, thinking creatively about technology persons may already have available. (smartphone, tablet) Envisioning enabling technology to be autonomous in day-to-day activities to develop a person's ability to be independent in their daily lives. (home, community, and employment)

· Identify person supported needs and interests in technology, community, goals and objectives including employment and volunteer opportunities, memberships, and hobbies.

· Performs other duties as may be assigned by Workforce Innovation Director, Senior Vice President of Operations and President.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

· Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in a crisis.

· Ability to interact respectfully with a wide range of people and deal honestly and tactfully with the public.

· Ability to encourage positive acceptance and education relative to people with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities.

· Understanding and commitment to supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

· Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form as well as communicate via email.

· Excellent scheduling and time management skills.

· Ability to lift 50 pounds (weight of average manual wheelchair when chair is empty).

· Understanding of Person-Centered Practices/Thinking.

· Advanced computer skills

EDUCATIONAL AND WORK EXPERIENCE· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field preferred.· Supervisory experience preferred. REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES· Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) designated online training, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) designated training, Pre-Employment Transitional Services Managed Care (MCO) designated online training, First Aid, CPR and Medication Certification course within first 90 days of employment, and any other required training.· Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and/or ACRE Certification(s) and completion of (TRN) Training Resource Network Training in Job Coaching and Consultation.· Supervisor training.· Emory Valley Center Orientation.· Valid Tennessee driver’s license with “F” endorsement and an acceptable driving record.· Department of Transportation physical exam as applicable.· Person Centered Thinking Training. WORKING CONDITIONS

· Provides services after hours, on weekends and holidays as scheduled and according to the Company’s on Call Policy.

· Frequent lifting, stretching and other physical exertion during positioning person supported or equipment.

· May work with people who exhibit aggressive or violent conduct.

· While performing the duties of the job, employee travels by automobile, will utilize own vehicle, and is exposed to changing weather conditions.

· May occasionally assist with wheelchair transfer of non-ambulatory people.

· May be exposed to various medical conditions, communicable diseases, and pest infestations.

· Work will take place in the community and in the homes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License with an F endorsement (Required)

Work Location: In person