Community Employment Specialist

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission, Vision, and Values
1. Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan philosophy
2. Manage all responsibilities based on the agency's mission, using individual choice, and all appropriate policies, procedures, and regulations
3. Conduct oneself in a way that reflects the highest standards of professional courtesy and ethical practices to people served, staff, guardians, families, and all outside contacts

Department/Program Development and Coordination (Delivery of Quality Service)
1. As a mandated reporter, ensure all allegations of abuse and neglect are reported as required.
2. Ensure compliance with all HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
3. Complete all mandatory documentation accurately, honestly, and on time.
4. To verify and ensure your payroll timecard is accurate by Monday before noon for the previous week worked.
5. Need to complete all required training within 120 days of initial employment and stay in compliance with all the required annual training refreshers.
6. Assist in assessments, job development, job retention, follow-up, and extended services for people served.
7. Identify the individual’s support needs, assist in developing individual goals and objectives, and coordinate services.
8. Attend scheduled staff meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as requested
9. Process requests for supported employment services, including sharing information, working with other referral sources, scheduling work assessments, interviewing individuals, and developing employment plans.
10. Coordinate all procedures according to DHS/DRS requirements, including placement plans, ongoing progress reports, meetings, staffings, monthly billing reports, and placement reports.
11. Coordinate and network with community employers to develop appropriate employment matches.
12. Assist in developing training materials, including task analyses and instructional guides.
13. Function as a team member, enlisting the cooperation of both people served and staff in performing job duties.
14. Instruct, train, assess, aide, support, and supervise individuals in the assigned area; specifically, role model expectations and coach individuals for employment success at job sites.
15. As applicable, provide transportation to persons served.
16. Provide natural learning opportunities, encouraging the person to be as independent as possible, at work and during recreation or leisure activities.
17. Serve as a positive role model for the person being supported.

Education/Experience Requirements
1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must have a valid High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
3. Possess a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
4. At least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
1. Ability to multitask.
2. Must communicate effectively
3. Capable of proofreading printed and computer work
4. Effective time management skills.
5. Professional interpersonal skills.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office
7. Strong ethical conduct.
8. Strong project management skills.

Physical Requirements
1. Frequent walking and sitting
2. Regular reaching, grasping, and standing
3. Other physical activities related to an office environment
4. Operates general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer
5. Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Work Environment
1. Work may occur in the following settings: Home, Office, Classroom, Group Homes, or Community
2. Be a team player with a positive attitude that supports a positive culture towards all stakeholders

Perform all duties to aid in the successful placement of people served. Collaborate with employers to identify positions that align with our job seekers’ interests, skills, and needs. Develop hands-on training opportunities to prepare job seekers for employment in specific fields/businesses.