Employment Spec I - IDD

The Supported Employment Specialist position reports directly to the IDD Supported Employment Supervisor within the IDD division. This position will perform Job coaching, soft and hard skills training, job development, and job placement duties. Progressive completion of all necessary credentialling is necessary for the position. The Supported Employment team takes a collaborative approach and meets weekly to staff individuals served and receive feedback from leadership. The Supported Employment Specialist is committed to providing the highest quality of care possible while helping individuals navigate available services and supports. Assist individuals in identifying their job preferences, skills, and the work conditions they need. This also involves locating and contacting prospective employers who offer compatible employment opportunities. Support the individual by contacting employers on their behalf and negotiating terms of employment to help them get a job in the community. Provide one-on-one support on the job to help the individual succeed. This can include training in specific job tasks, and helping them develop positive work habits and relationships with colleagues. Conduct skills assessments to determine an individual's abilities and to identify areas where support is needed. Help individuals create resumes, practice interview skills, and prepare for job interviews. Work with the individual and other stakeholders to create and implement individualized action plans that help them achieve their employment goals. Build and maintain positive relationships with employers, community organizations, and government agencies to create and expand employment opportunities for clients. Accurately observe and document client progress, job performance, and service delivery. Assist individuals in developing essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and navigating public transportation, which are crucial for independent living and employment

Promoting choice and autonomy through a strength-based model is necessary and expected.

This position uses initiative and passionate commitment to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care and works with the entire LifePath Systems team and other community organizations to identify needs and reduce barriers to improve outcomes for individuals served. Must be effective at troubleshooting and organizing support, interventions, and services to achieve outcomes. Other duties may be assigned as needed. 

This position exemplifies service excellence by providing Job coaching, soft and hard skills training, job development, and job placement. In addition, this position connects to other services to include crisis services as needed. All interactions with individuals and families served will be conducted with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

This position practices good stewardship of resources by ensuring all required trainings are completed prior to due date and center-issued equipment is kept in good repair. The Supported Employment Specialist will link individuals to additional resources as needed to support their goals.   

Integrity is necessary to ensure adherence to the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Administrative Code, contracts, applicable grants, and Lifepath Systems policies and procedures. This position will work closely with the treatment team and Program Administrator to ensure that all gaps are reconciled.

This position builds positive relationships with local resource agencies, providers, and health professionals in an effort to increase positive relationships from community stakeholders and partners. This position demonstrates professional conduct with Peers, Leadership and Support teams at all times. In addition, close working relationships and professional conduct while coordinating care with outside entities is required.

Working independently and collaboratively to maintain appropriate boundaries and foster better outcomes for individuals served, families, and while facilitating improvement in measurable ways, is central to LifePath Systems mission to serve. This position must have the ability to assess and de-escalate potential or current crisis situations in calm and respectful manner.

Specific Targets: Engagement with individuals served and exceptional customer service will be provided and documented in the electronic health record at or above 80 hours per month. 90% of service notes are signed within 2 business days of service. 90% of full chart reviews receive a score of 80 or higher. Provides person-centered services to assist in navigating access to social, vocational, educational, and other individualized services with a focus on promoting independent and competitive employment. Must understand LifePath Systems IDD Supported Employment services and be able to explain to individuals served, family members, and community partners appropriately.

Work hours may vary based on the needs of the caseload. This could include evenings and weekends. 
Travel from site to site throughout the community based on the needs of the caseload. 

If Bilingual and receiving stipend, employee will be available to translate for other staff as needed and will utilize approved language in the provision of services as needed.

Education, Training, & Experience (including licensure & certification) 

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university preferred
• OR an associate degree in a social, behavioral, human service, or health-related field including, psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human development, gerontology, educational psychology, education, and criminal justice, AND one year of paid or unpaid experience with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• OR a high school diploma or certificate recognized by a state as the equivalent of a high school diploma, AND two years of paid or unpaid experience with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Work experience in a LIDDA or IDD provider services preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• The ability to organize and prioritize a variety of assignments while managing time and productivity. 
• Ability to assess individual needs, to coordinate services, and to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of the social services system and the ability to connect individuals with appropriate services. 
• Ability to write clearly and professionally on all services and internal communications.
• Ability to think clearly and logically while dealing with potentially dangerous and/or emotional situations.
• Ability to respond to individuals with patience, empathy, and understanding.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and computer-proficient.
• Ability to demonstrate strong multi-cultural competency.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Salary : $19