DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as Team Facilitator for clients served. Accountable for the development and implementation of the employment component of the Individual Service Plan using a person centered planning process that is based in “Employment First” principles. Ensures clients are educated and empowered to make choices about services and employment. The vocational component of the Service Plan must be coordinated with and compliment residential and mental health components of the Service Plan, as needed. Communicate openly with Support Team regarding client service plan progress, performance, behavior, etc. Conduct customer satisfaction surveys at least annually. Assume leadership responsibilities for day-to-day employment service delivery to support persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining integrated competitive employment. Represent the philosophy of Hope Haven through decision-making process, consistent with “Employment First” principles which promote integrated, competitive employment as the first option for youth and adults with disabilities. Ensure positive customer relations and education activities through interactions and speaking engagements about and promoting My Choice Employment and “Employment First” to prospective clients and family members, referral sources/case managers, funders, employers, school/education personnel, civic groups, business groups/organizations, and others. Provide direct support that is based in “Employment First” principles to clients and employment staff. This support will be direct involvement in community employment settings, teaching individual or group activities that focus on preparing individual for paid employment, and assisting in developing natural supports. Services include, but are not limited to employment counseling, job exploration, career planning, community based assessment, job shadowing, job development, employer development, teaching job retention skills, and Customized Employment activities. 6. Develops and maintains regular contacts with employers in the community that produce employment opportunities for clients. Ensures employers are satisfied with services. 7. Review service objective plans on a monthly basis. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of services provided that clearly and legibly reflects the client’s goals, staff intervention and support, client response and progress made. 8. Facilitate the completion and review of vocational progress reports and ongoing vocational assessment based upon funder and/or service regulations with each client. 9. Arrange and manage client’s employment services funding and assure documentation of services are accurate and support attendance records and billing data. 10. Accountable for supporting clients in applying for and maintaining benefits for which they are eligible (i.e. Social Security Disability, Title XIX, SSI). 11. Serve as liaison/contact person for all employment services issues with clients, their family members, case managers, funders, etc. 12. Maintain client records including orientation, transfer, and discharge reports for employment services. 13. Coordinate and provide job development, job placement and job supports in conjunction with Manager, other Employment Specialists and members of the team (client, referring agents, significant family members and agency personnel.) 14. Ensure electronic client record information (Harmony) and Outcome Measurement System data pertaining to employment services on each client is accurate and up to date. 15. Arrange for implementation of needed job accommodations for clients as necessary. 16. Ensure individuals served are paid in accordance with D.O.L. standards and regulations. 17. Adherence to Hope Haven Policies and Procedures. Maintain all documentation required by agency policy and procedures. 18. Follow all safety procedures and promote safety measures among the team and clients. 19. Other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to use and operate office equipment such as telephone, computer keyboard, etc. Ability to drive. Requires physical mobility to walk, stoop, stand, sit, and climb steps. Requires physical strength to assist individuals in transferring, lifting, positioning, carrying boxes of product, etc. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree preferably in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales or business, or commensurate experience. Must hold nationally recognized certification (ACRE or College of Employment Services (CES) or similar) as an employment specialist, or must earn this credential within 24 months of hire. Shall complete 4 hours of continuing education in employment services annually. Strong leadership ability. Employment Specialist Training certification; if not certified, obtains certification within one year of hire. Ability to apply knowledge of mental, physical, and social impairments and their probable effects on vocational, personal, social, and community adjustment. Ability to work successfully with limited direct supervision. Ability to work with employers, utilizing sales and negotiation techniques. Skill in Behavior Management. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to negotiate and handle conflict as necessary. Strong interpersonal/counseling skills to work with clients individually and in groups. Skills in computer use and word processing. Knowledge of and ability to utilize assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Possess Class “D” chauffeur’s license with endorsement 3. Up to date physical. Clearance from all applicable background checks as required by service standards.