What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist - Direct Support Professional - $19-$20/hour position at Via of the Lehigh Valley?
Join Via of the Lehigh Valley, a **2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplace winner** and receive a **$1,500 sign-on bonus!** ! We are 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 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.
- Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee. We offer two plans to choose from!
- 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! Employees also receive 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. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them.
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual match.
- 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.
- Employee Assistance Program, which full-time employees are able to access on their first date of hire. The Employee Assistance Program provides additional support such as counseling, employee/family financial services, employee/family legal services, employee/family work-life services, etc.
- 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
