The Arc of Spokane is seeking an Employment Specialist to provide an array of individualized employment supports to people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities in seeking competitive integrated employment. Working mostly independently but as part of a Supported Employment team, you will network to build relationships with community businesses to support the job seeker in securing employment. You will also work closely with the job seeker to find their desired job match through a discovery process.

• Creativity: supporting people to identify their employment goals, dreams, skills, and interests.
• Coordination: Facilitating the informed decision-making process in the exploration of employment possibilities through experience, exposure, and activities.
• Writing Skill: documenting employment activities and creating a written goal-based employment plan that ensures an understanding of the individual’s goals while maintaining compliance with all regulations required by the state and county programs.
• Communication: Developing job placements, assessment opportunities, and volunteer work sites through building relationships with employers.
• Initiative: Assisting in resume preparation, application submission, and interview skills to match clients to jobs in the community that fit their needs and abilities; ensuring success for both the employee and the employer.
• Organization: Assisting clients who have jobs in maintaining attendance, communication, and mastering their job responsibilities; coaches may also arrange transportation for their clients.

Employment Specialists Responsibilities:

• Participate in the Discovery Process for the job seekers on your caseload
• Provide accurate and detailed information that pertains to the job seekers goals
• Research, identify, and network with community businesses conducting informal interviews to determine job matches
• Create task lists based on the specific needs of an employer to provide job coaching and assist with successfully fading supports
• Work closely with the job seeker to work through any employment challenges that may arise
• Network with community businesses and follow-up with employers to ensure successful business partnerships
• Join and participate in local networking groups
• Address workplace accommodations, needed assistive technology when developing a job placement
• Maintain professional relationships with the job seeker, their families, and employers

Qualifications:

• Possess initiative, creativity, strong interpersonal skills,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Keen organizational skills
• Demonstrate integrity, diplomacy, patience, and sensitivity to the needs of our clients.
• Work independently as well as in teams
• Experience with The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a very strong plus with this position
• A sales/marketing background is helpful
• Teach and role model life skills

Requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• High School Diploma or GED
• Must pass all required background checks.
• Must have valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.

The person we hire will be committed to the belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valuable employees and make significant contributions to the workplace.
Please attach a resume and cover letter, applications will not be considered without the two additional items.

Position is open until filled.

Compensation: $23.00-$25.30*. DOE starting range, entire scale to $29.90 per hour, Non-exempt, Full-time 40 hours per week, Flexible schedule; work hours are driven by client needs and may include nights and weekends.

• All pay is based on longevity at The Arc of Spokane; thus, the starting pay for this position is $23.00 per hour.

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, Personal Leave

Application Process: To see expanded benefit information and to apply online visit our website www.arc-spokane.org/work-with-us click the "Current Employment Opportunities" button to view all open positions. Select the position you would like to apply for to start the application process. If you need alternative assistance to apply outside of the electronic system, please contact the Human Resources Department at 509-328-6326.