What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist - Community Employment Services position at Via of the Lehigh Valley?
Join a team that has been recognized as a *Top Workplace* for **FOUR** consecutive years - **2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026**
Via is currently hiring an **Employment Specialist** for Lehigh and Northampton counties to play an integral part in helping individuals discover their talents, abilities and interests.
**CHANGE LIVES. WORK FOR VIA.**
Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Via is currently hiring an **Employment Specialist** for Lehigh and Northampton counties to play an integral part in helping individuals discover their talents, abilities and interests.
- Via is now offering an increased pay rate. You will earn a base rate between $19-$20/hour determined by education level.** Scheduling flexibility is required and includes days, some evenings and weekends. **You will earn an additional $1/hour for every hour worked past 5pm on Monday-Friday and for Saturday and Sunday's.** Additionally, earn up to $1.75 more per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program.
- Full-Time Monday through Friday schedule. Weekends OFF!
- Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee.
- 15 days (3 weeks) of paid vacation during your first year, increasing to 18 days after completing 1 year of employment.
- 9 paid Holidays. Including YOUR Birthday Holiday and a Floating Cultural Holiday! Via is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce and believes that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other's differences adds quality to our services. To celebrate a commitment to equity and inclusion, Via offers a floating cultural holiday. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them.
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
- Education incentive: earn MORE when you obtain a degree or certification.
- Paid Training and mileage reimbursement.
- Professional Development Opportunities: NADSP Career Ladder Program - earn an additional $1.75/hour once all three levels have been completed.
- Casual work attire.
- Employee referral-bonus program.
- Special employee events such as raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards and monthly celebration events.
- Assist individuals with transitioning into the workforce by providing career planning, coaching and support.
- Partner with local businesses and employers.
- Provide on-the-job support for participants as needed.
- Assist individuals in obtaining meaningful and competitive employment.
- Responsible for maintaining appropriate paperwork, completing assessments and entering daily contacts in the agency database.
- Ensure development of appropriate employment plans to provide job longevity for participants.
- Network with community businesses to grow Community Based Assessment Placements, based on the participant's interests.
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
- One (1) year of experience working with individuals in community or employment settings is preferred.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
- Must have a valid driver's license, personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle insurance.
- Standing, sitting, lifting, walking is required daily.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required.
- Scheduling flexibility is required and includes days, some evenings and weekends
- Use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email is required daily.
- Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
- Must be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of environments.
**CHANGE LIVES. WORK FOR VIA.**
Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Salary : $5,000