Employment Specialist Job Description

Implements and provides direct supervision and training to individuals with intellectual/developmental

disabilities in community-based employment settings. Develops and maintains relationships with businesses and

services for competitive employment placements.

Benefits: 

• 401k
• Health Insurance (Including Vison & Dental)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Expense Reimburesment 
• PTO
• Free Paid day off for Birthdays
• Advancement Opportunities
• CPR Training 

Staff Requirements

1. Works all assigned shifts, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying supervisor of changes to assigned work schedule.
2. Clocks in and out utilizing EVV system before and after every shift and submits.
3. Completes and submits case notes for every shift worked.
4. Completes and maintains all required state mandated training requirements within 30 days of employment, and annually thereafter.
5. Attends meetings and training sessions as required.

Daily Programming

1. Supports the achievement of individuals’ personal outcomes.
2. Assists in the development and implementation of effective job coaching and employment plans.
3. Assists individuals to discover and overcome their personal barriers and set goals.
4. Assesses the strengths of individuals and teaches/motivates to use them effectively.
5. Treats individuals with dignity and respect.
6. Develops employer contacts and markets to employers in a consistent manner. Establishes credibility and maintains contact with businesses and services in the community.
7. Provides job touring and job shadowing opportunities for individuals to explore community-based employment options.

Activities of Employment

1. Ensures individuals are dressed neatly and appropriate and are always groomed.
2. Encourages individuals to care for immediate personal needs such as toileting, washing their hands, and eating.
3. Teaches pre-employment skills to individuals to help them develop the necessary abilities to find and maintain competitive employment.
4. Develops task analysis training procedures for all new tasks associated with jobs. Devises methods for implementing training procedures for incoming employees.
5. Facilitates the placement of individuals with disabilities in community-based employment.
6. Develops a thorough understanding of all tasks comprising the job by working on the job with individual as required.
7. Guides individuals in learning to complete job tasks. Provides necessary follow-up on the job once training has been withdrawn.
8. Ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of employees on the job on a regular basis. Ensures that the employer’s job is completed in a timely manner.
9. Ensures that employees are well integrated into the daily operations of the business or service. Limits supervision to the amount needed to complete the job.

Communication

1. Observes individuals for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status. Reports any noted problems to their supervisor immediately and completes an incident report form.
2. Represents KZL Agency in a professional manner to employers, families, supports coordinators, state officials, and community partners when required.
3. Maintains individual confidentiality.
4. Communicates with individuals to understand each person’s employment goals and ambitions.
5. Communicates effectively with all employers. Ensures effective communications between coworkers and employees.

Teamwork

1. Treats all individuals and coworkers with dignity, respect, and fairness.
2. Works as a team to ensure all job responsibilities are complete.

Documentation

1. Monitors and evaluates progress of individuals.
2. Ensures that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
3. Keeps records and documentation and prepares appropriate reports as requested.
4. Develops and facilitates community-based assessments to evaluate an individual’s interests and abilities.
5. Reviews, acknowledges, and completes communication documentation including but not limited to S-comms before, during, and at the end of every shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services/Social Services and 2 years of work experience in supports topeople with intellectual disabilities

OR

• Associate’s Degree or 60 Credits hours and 4 years of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disabilities
• Completion of certification as an Employment Support Professional (CESP) from the Association of
• People Supporting Employment First (APSE); OR copy of Basic Employment Services Certificate of
• Achievement OR copy of a Professional Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services from an
• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) organizational member that has ACRE-
• approved training.
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and /or mental illness preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver License.
• Proof of vehicle insurance and valid vehicle registration.
• Reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background investigation.

Requirements

• 18 yrs. or older
• Valid driver’s license/auto insurance
• Must have a vehicle
• Ability to obtain ACT 33/34 and FBI clearance
• Ability to Pass Physical & TB