Career Developer

The Career Developer leads the effort in building relationships with businesses inspiring and supporting the hire of skilled, yet underemployed individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other comparable disability.  The Career Developer builds networks of hiring managers and assists with enhancing their recruiting, interviewing and on boarding procedures to diversify company workforces.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses the employment skills and abilities of assigned individuals documenting observations on specified forms and compiling results into corresponding reports
• Schedules tours with local businesses to assess employment needs and identify potential jobs
• Works with businesses through a customized employment approach to realize the value of reassigning tasks, carving activities off current employee job descriptions, or sharing job responsibilities that results in the creation of new job opportunities
• Supports individuals in applying for posted positions, developing resumes, preparing for interviews, and participating in interviews
• Serves as back-up staff assigned to support hired individuals in job settings with intent of fading to natural supports by utilizing effective teaching strategies to appropriately navigate environment, produce quality work, and engage in social interactions
• Completes business assessments to indicate needs of the business and features of the environment, social skills and task-related skills a client would need to obtain employment within that entity
• Collaborates with teams to coordinate discovery activities, match clients to job opportunities, schedule and staff assessment opportunities, and coordinate the onboarding process
• Provides information to relevant stakeholders to support the development of appropriate employment goals for clients served
• Supports the coordination of transportation to and from work
• Documents billing at time of delivery of service and completes other required paperwork as assigned, timely and accurately
• Coordinates onboarding process when clients are hired, including assisting with completion of pre-employment and orientation paperwork
• Provides coaching to all team members in a supportive and collaborative manner, and receives and implements coaching and feedback from others to improve performance
• Completes other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following positions or frequent movements are typical of the job: sitting, walking, running, standing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, and crawling, often for extended periods of the workday.   Assignment may require the ability to physically move clients during possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. 

The position requires that an individual be able to learn new tasks quickly and effectively. Job requirements may change frequently. The ability to understand and carry out detailed, involved, instructions is mandatory. The incumbent must be able to travel to multiple locations as needed, when needed to conduct organizational business. Subject to inside environmental conditions.

EXPECTED SCHEDULE

This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week expectation. Days and hours of the work week are to be agreed upon by management, the assigned client’s schedules, and the Adult Services Calendar. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum High School diploma or GED required
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience partnering with businesses and in building long-term relationships for the purposes of continued employment opportunities preferred 
• ACRE Certification or Certified Employment Support Professional (“CESP”) credential from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (“APSE”) required in 9 months from hire
• Clean driving record, valid PA driver’s license, current vehicle inspection, up-to-date vehicle registration, and proof of adequate insurance coverage required
• Successful completion of Vista’s crisis intervention training required
• Required passing of all pre-employment regulatory and safety-sensitive employee requirements including, but not limited to, PPD testing, physical exam, and drug tests
• Proficiency in the use of technology, including but not limited to electronic devices, Internet applications, and Microsoft Office products required

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in related service field highly desired
• Prior experience completing discovery and/or customization of jobs highly desired
• Experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder highly desired
• Connections to local businesses and knowledge of compensation and benefits and how they affect an individual’s social security and insurance preferred
• Demonstrates leadership and organizational skills
• Effectively manages multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines