Supported Employment Specialist (Job Coach)

Under the supervision of the Director of Programs, the Employment Specialist (Job Coach) will assist participants with obtaining and maintaining employment in their community. The Employment Specialist will develop and maintain positive, professional partnerships with local businesses to promote employment opportunities for program participants. This position will provide community-based work experiences and evaluations, and job coaching supports to individuals in the work environment.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Employment Specialist will provide community-based work experiences and evaluations, and job coaching supports to individuals in the work environment.

The successful candidate for this position will be expected to:

• Establish respect and develop relationships with individuals using a person-centered approach.
• Assist participants with job-readiness skills such as resume building, problem-solving, effective communication, and interviewing skills.
• Train participants in soft skills such as work ethic, personal grooming and hygiene, and response to supervision.
• Assist participants with arranging and obtaining appropriate transportation, including traveling training when appropriate.
• Provide retention services that provide ongoing work supports, goal planning, treatment team interaction and the establishment and cultivation of natural supports at the work site.
• Network with local employers & businesses to increase opportunities for employment.
• Establish and maintain both verbal and written collaboration with OPWDD.
• Must be willing to travel within all counties served by CNY Quest. (Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis)
• Maintain OPWDD and agency training requirements.
• Maintain necessary records and documentation for each consumer served.
• Maintain confidentiality of all work/client related information.
• Act in a manner consistent with Central New York Quest’s Mission.
• Meet with the Director of Programs or other appointed person for supervision at least once per month.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Programs.

The Employment Specialist must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to provide detailed and timely documentation. This position requires attendance at team meetings as well as community meetings and trainings. The successful candidate will be able to establish and maintain a work environment that creates positive communication between supervisors and employees and assimilates new employees to CNY Quest’s mission, vision and values.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Successful applicants will posses the following:

• An Associates Degree in a related field is required. Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or Vocational Services
• At least two years of experience providing vocational and employment services to individuals with developmental disabilities
• A valid NYS Driver’s license as travel is required
• Intermediate computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams.
• As required by OPWDD, a criminal history background check and abuse history check.
• Previous innovations (CHSE/Eleversity) training preferred but not required. Can be obtained on the job.

WAGE:
$20.00/hour
Evening and weekend hours are required

Travel to nearby counties is required (Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• job coaching: 1 year (Required)
• working with individuals with developmental disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: On the road