Employment Services Coordinator

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as an Employment Services Coordinator in our Community Services Program. The Employment Services Coordinator is responsible for  overseeing the agency’s provision of employment services to Deafblind individuals in the downstate NY region. The Employment Services Coordinator cultivates employment partners in the business and non-profit arenas on a local and national level and  provides training and supervision to vocational staff in the Community Services Program. 

This is a community-based position supporting the Long Island and New York City area.  Extensive local travel is required. 

Pay rate: $70-$77k annually  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Supervises Employment Training Specialist and Placement Specialist staff in the NY Community Services Program and oversees provision of employment services including Vocational Assessment, Work Readiness Training, Job Development, and Job Coaching.

•    Works directly with CSP consumers particularly in the area of job development based on consumer’s goals and interests. Obtains employment interviews and assists consumers at the interview, if needed. 

•    Contacts and consults with potential employers regarding the development of substantial jobs for qualified deaf/blind workers.

•    Provides in-service training to potential employers, co-workers, and support service providers in regard to the consumer’s skills, potential, and support needs. Such training can be applied to competitive or supported employment situations.

•    Works collaboratively with the National Employment and Business Relations Specialist to cultivate both productive and emergent employers through outreach to employers, employer networks, targeting specific industries, and DOL Career Centers.

•    Develops and implements outreach, training tools and events to present to businesses to break down barriers and  increase opportunities, accessibility and inclusion for employees with vision and hearing loss 

•    Collaborates with CVRP staff to ensure successful transition for participants from on-campus services to community based services

•    Identifies and partners with college and university programs that train professionals in disciplines related to serving the deaf , blind and deaf-blind  communities with the goal of developing  internship opportunities in the Employment Services field with HKNC programs in NY and across the country

•    Maintains necessary documentation regarding consumer progress, communicates regularly with Community Services Program colleagues, and completes required reports in a timely fashion

•    Communicates regularly with NY State Commission for the Blind counselors regarding work readiness, work experience, and placement services for shared participants. 

•    Performs work related duties, when necessary, at the discretion of the Coordinator, Community Services Program, and the Associate Executive Director. 

Required: extensive local travel throughout Long Island and New York City. Meeting all job duties and responsibilities may require use of personal vehicle.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Direct Reports include:

CSP Employment Training Specialists

CSP Placement Specialists

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Guidance or related field preferred.
• Two years of experience working with Deafblind, deaf, blind or multiply disabled individuals preferred.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language and other methods of communication utilized by individuals who are deafblind required.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Services, or related field 

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and a comprehensive benefit package after meeting eligibility requirements.

• 4 weeks' paid vacation anually 
• 12 days paid sick time annually
• 2 paid personal days annually 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Life insurance 
• Short/long term disability & parental leave on as as-needed basis 
• Voluntary ancillary plans 
• 403 b w/employer match 
• Career Advancement Opportunities

HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.