Employment Specialist

Sign-on Bonus

Job Title:  Employment Specialist

Reports to: Work Programs Coordinator

FLSA Status:  Nonexempt

Primary Hours:  7 am to 3 pm  (MUST BE FLEXIBLE due to employment services with individuals we serve) 

Summary

Under the supervision of the Work Programs Coordinator, the Employment Specialist will be responsible for providing training and support for persons served, host site co-workers, families, area businesses, and the community to ensure success during competitive individual community employment and/or small group employment.  The employment specialist will also be responsible, as assigned, to provide extended services to persons served who have gained and retain individual employment in the community. This position requires providing support to persons served participating in volunteer work, worksite tours, mock interviews, and/or apprenticeship programs.  This position also requires the ability to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities – Essential Functions

• Provides individualized support, training, and/or supervision for persons served at the worksite or competitive employment, which includes, but not limited to, the following: skills training, building natural supports, identifying job accommodations, assistive technology, community experiences, etc
• Communicates effectively with Work Programs Coordinator, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services counselors, QDDPs, other Employment Specialists, job coaches, Direct Support Professionals, employers, coworkers, and family as needed.
• Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, situational assessments and job matching activities as required
• Carries out steps of job coaching, job development, and skill training with persons served and other parties as appropriate.
• Work with participants, employers, families, agency personnel, ADRS counselors, Work Programs Coordinator, QDDPs, and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to employment.
• Practice Positive Reinforcement Techniques with persons served, coworkers, and other parties as appropriate.
• Observe, document, and communicate with persons served, ADRS counselors, Work Programs Coordinator, families, or other parties as appropriate, any matters that may effect a person’s employment successful employment
• Participates in training opportunities to gain knowledge of strategies and “best practices” in the filed of supported employment and/or other areas
• Travel to worksites as necessary
• Serve as an advocate for the persons served/students
• Serve as an ambassador for the Arc of Madison County
• Prepare and complete assessments and satisfaction surveys
• Perform specific job and/or task analysis, intake interviews, situational assessments and job matching activities as needed
• Be punctual and in attendance as scheduled
• Assist, as needed, with maintaining staffing ratios to ensure individual safety and wellbeing
• Provides, as needed, pre employment training to other individuals receiving services by the Arc of Madison County
• Possess basic computer skills
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the agency.

Ancillary Functions

• Adheres to and promotes standards of the Arc’s integrated worksite and/or competitive work site to promote job productivity and efficiency.
• Report regularly to supervisor on program participant status
• Complete and submit all required reporting form, including hours worked, in a timely manner.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Serves as a driver for transporting persons served as needed and maintain service record of vehicle.

Work Environment

Depends wholly on the setting in which training of the program participant is to take place.  Each site may have a variety of factors that should be acknowledged, including variable noise and dust levels, varying temperature, lighting and ground surfaces.

Physical Requirements

Depends on the training site and skill being trained: standing, sitting, bending, stooping, lifting, grasping and stretching.  Visual skills.  Vehicle travel and driving.  Fine motor dexterity.  Able to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications/Education

• Degree in related field preferred, but not required. GED or High School diploma required
• Experience working with individuals who have developmental, intellectual, physical, and/or unseen disabilities preferred (other similar experience may be considered).
• Completes Customized Employment Training and other training as required
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to perform duties in a variety of settings, including professional situations, private home, businesses and other sites as warranted
• Computer skills, including Word, Excel, and database

Competencies/Personal Characteristics

• Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in services, etc
• Is an effective role model
• Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor
• Exhibits an overall positive attitude
• Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Uses standard English in oral and written communication
• Works as a productive team member with families, work sites, agency personnel, ADRS personnel, and others as warranted
• Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences
• Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure serves a professional purpose or is required by law.
• Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest
• Ability to function in a flexible, ever-changing environment
• Belief in inclusiveness in all community settings
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule. Days and times will be assigned based on program and/or program participant needs.  This may include working some evening, weekends, or holidays.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position