Employment Specialist

Job Description

Under supervision of the Director, helps promote the mission of Napa Valley PSI by establishing and maintaining relationships with a variety of business and industry representatives to develop, locate, and secure volunteer, intern, and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. This role also includes coordinating employment related activities and direct support to those seeking employment.

This role requires certification in a 12 week Customized Employment Program which will be paid for by Napa Valley PSI.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Development and Employer Supports

• Initiate and maintain ongoing contact and relationships with a variety of business and industry representatives to identify and secure possible employment (including customized employment), intern and volunteer opportunities.
• Engage in informational interviews with potential employers to learn about the business and its needs. Enter findings into a central database.
• Research the internet and other resources for job leads.
• Match job skills with applicant qualifications; refer qualified applicants to employers and conduct necessary follow-up when applicants are placed in positions. Respond to employer problems, complaints, or concerns and communicate issues to the Director.
• Keep updated on job fairs and internet resources and participate in outreach and recruitment activities by coordinating and attending job fairs. Assist in developing flyers, brochures, and other methods to advertise job placement activities.

Employment Coordination and Support for Persons Served

• Use person centered planning to assist applicants in determining their strengths and interests. Use this information to help individuals identify employment interests.
• Support job seekers as they explore potential employment opportunities. Develop a Customized Employment Placement Plan for each job seeker.
• Assist job seeker to learn and perform job search strategies and tasks (i.e. resume writing, networking and interviewing skills).
• Assist job seekers to obtain training/experience needed to achieve employment goals (i.e., on the job training, internships, volunteerism, classes/certifications etc.).
• When needed, assist job seeker to identify and address barriers to employment and facilitate workplace accommodations.
• Provide job search/career information workshops and presentations.
• Arrange and transport applicants to interviews and appointments as needed.
• Monitor individual performance on the job and provide support when job performance is not satisfactory. Work with job coaches and individuals to improve performance and teach/learn necessary job skills or review other employment options.
• Maintain contact with employers during the individual’s employment and report results to the Director and members of the person’s support team.
• In coordination with Job Coaches, prepare forms and reports related to the assessment of candidates and all placement activities. Track participant activity and progress data.

Develop and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Display a professional and respectful attitude towards individuals served, coworkers, supervisors, employers, community partners and other agency affiliates.
• Work effectively as part of the PSI team to accomplish the mission of the organization. This includes developing and maintaining positive relations with families, other agencies serving individuals with disabilities, funding sources/other government agencies and all entities that provide services which overlap with programs provided by PSI.
• Model person centered planning philosophies in all work efforts and consistently promote persons served to be at the center of making decisions that impact their own lives.
• Contribute to a team approach to solving issues related to persons served.
• Provide for continuous quality service improvement and promote teamwork among co-workers and persons served.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisite Qualifications
The candidate must meet the following criteria to be considered for employment in this position:

• Verified experience in job placement within the last five (5) years preferred.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities or other at-risk population- employment setting preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Prior to employment, obtain successful results from the DOJ/FBI fingerprints and background screening within 10 working days from the date of appointment.
• Prior to employment, pass the placement physical which will determine physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position which includes a physical, skin T.B. test or chest x-ray, breath alcohol test (BAT) and drug screen.
• Prior to employment, provide proof of a valid California Driver’s License, proof of active car insurance for yourself and the vehicle that you will be using during work hours, and an acceptable DMV driving record dated no later than 30 days from date of offer letter (to be approved by PSI or MIV Insurance).
• Prior to employment, provide documents to validate eligibility to legally work in the United States.
• Upon employment, ability to complete a 12-week, employer paid, certificate program in Customized Employment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include nights and weekends.
• Ability to self-direct daily work activities with little supervision.
• Experience with Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, and database reporting.
• Maintain orderly work environment and perform tasks in a prescribed and safe manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and written and make presentations to small and large groups.

Acknowledgment:

We are committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Napa Valley PSI policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as locks, braids, or twists), ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.

As further described below, we also prohibit retaliation for reporting a perceived violation of this policy or participating in an investigation of such a complaint. Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct. Engaging in conduct that violates this policy may result in discipline, or even termination of employment.

Napa Valley PSI is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to any of the protected categories, including with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and treatment during employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• California Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20