Employment Specialist Supportive Employment

Position Summary:
Employment Specialist will assist individuals to successfully acquire and sustain gainful employment, with the goal of eventually working independently. Employment Specialist will provide the support necessary to facilitate employment success for individuals with developmental disabilities. Employment Specialist will provide assistance and support with both on and off job site activities needed to promote job discovery, job development, and job retention. Employment Specialist will work with local businesses and Employment Program Coordinator to facilitate paid work experiences for individuals.
To protect the safety of the individuals we support and staff, Springbrook requires new employees to be current on all recommended vaccinations, including but not limited to: COVID-19.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work in conjunction with the Employment Services Coordinator, review program goals and individual goals
• Attend all assigned training including OPWDD Innovations trainings and OPWDD annual required trainings
• Complete employment assessments
• Complete pre-employment interviews
• Meet with potential businesses and volunteer sites to further expand Springbrook’s Business partner network
• Act as a liaison between employers, individual, business, families and other support staff
• Assist with facilitating interviews, social training, transportation training and other job skills training as needed
• Provide vocational support and services including but not limited to, job discovery, job training, job mentoring, and professional skills development in an individualized and group setting
• Maintain communication with placements sites during job discovery/development
• Foster communication and guidance with individual and work site employer, assuring that both remain satisfied
• Complete documentation, case notes, reports and billing within the allotted time frame
• Assist with creatively working through any employment challenges a person may have
• Provide transportation to work sites as needed
• Present a professional image to the business community at all times
• Communicate with Employment Services Coordinator regarding any concerns
• Attend departmental meetings and monthly 1:1 supervision meetings on an ongoing basis
• Attend semi-annual and annual ISP meetings, and team meetings as assigned
• Has knowledge of all employment services programs provided by Springbrook
• Assist in writing employment services plans
• Must be able to work varied hours to meet the needs of the individuals on caseload
• Follow all Springbrook Policies and procedures
• Perform other work related duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred) with least 1 (one) year experience working with persons with disabilities and or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of OPWDD regulations, policies and procedures preferred.
• Duties require professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software and e-mail applications, especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word; have the aptitude to learn other computer software as necessary.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required.

Springbrook is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Springbrook to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, age, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, traits historically associated with race and/or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $32,900 - $41,700