SUMMARY
This role provides a broad continuum of consumer and community-based/independent living (IL) services that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities at home, at school, at work, and in the community.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
▪ Associate’s Degree (required)
▪ Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
▪ 2 - 5 years of experience in related work and/or educational history
▪ Personal experience with disability and/or knowledge of disability issues and the consumer/community-based IL philosophy ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION Employment Specialist
▪ Maintain positive working relationships with referring agencies
▪ Provide Job Exploration, Job Readiness, and Search Assistance Services to individuals and groups
▪ Assist with developing and/or updating resumes
▪ Develop and coordinate and facilitate job readiness trainings
▪ Facilitate Work-Based learning experiences Benefits Counseling (for people receiving social security)
▪ Gather information about the beneficiary and verify public benefits
▪ Provide information about programs that support work
▪ Provide proactive on-going work-related benefits support
▪ Advise on work-incentives and provide additional support as needed or required
▪ Certified Benefits Coach: familiarity with social security benefits and work incentives programs in order to inform and support consumer’s employment goals (training provided if needed)
Additional Responsibilities
▪ Ability to complete required training to maintain certification
▪ Act as liaison with other community agencies
▪ Actively engage in the community to meet the mission and collaborate with consumers to reach their goals
▪ Actively participate in resource development activities (i.e. special events fundraising, grant development, volunteer recruitment
Additional Responsibilities - Continued
▪ May be required to work in outdoor environments, which may occur in hot or cold temperatures or in wet conditions
▪ At times, may be required to conduct presentations
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE
▪ Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects
▪ Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; and learning and motivation assessment
▪ Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
▪ No supervisory responsibilities REPORTS TO
▪ Employment Program Manager – Monroe Office
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS
▪ Enhances the image of the DNWML in person, by telephone, and in verbal communications
▪ May be required to sit for extended periods of time
▪ May be required to carry items up to 20 pounds
▪ Regular and routine attendance at the expected location
▪ Complete by the deadline, all reports, including but not limited to: timesheets, expense reports, monthly activity reports, and billings
▪ Travel within the regional service area of the DNWML
▪ All other duties as assigned
REQUIRED ABILITIES
▪ Act independently
▪ Analyze situations to determine the best course of action
▪ Attend to details
▪ Communicate verbally (through words written or spoken) concisely and effectively
▪ Exercise sound judgment
▪ Identify problems
▪ Initiate and multi-task
▪ Kind, compassionate, supportive, reliable, conscientious, and able to empathize
▪ Organize, prioritize, and problem-solve
▪ Regular and routine attendance at the expected location
▪ Think creatively
REQUIRED SKILLS
▪ Communicate effectively and work collectively with relevant internal and external stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
▪ Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures
▪ Maintain confidentiality with consumer and staff information
▪ Plan, coordinate, follow through, and organize work projects to ensure efficiency
▪ Plan, organize, assign work, and special projects in order to meet organizational goals
▪ Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints
▪ Enter data accurately and efficiently
▪ Evaluate information against a set of standards
▪ Prepare written documents/reports with proper sentence structure, grammar and overall completeness
▪ Work under pressure of deadlines
▪ Actively looking for ways to help people
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
▪ Being aware of other’s reactions and understanding why they react as they do
▪ Commitment to and ability for continuous improvement and mastery of relevant body of knowledge related to this position
▪ Commitment to the disability movement and the ability to effectively advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities
▪ Demonstrate resourcefulness, initiative, and follow through as required in the effective delivery of DNWML services
▪ Model integrity and uphold personal and professional ethics
▪ Model teamwork by effectively working in a collaborative manner through strong individual contribution, commitment, and/or mentorship of others
▪ Maintain a positive working relationship with consumers, co-workers, referral sources, and others to encourage positive referral relationships
▪ Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver’s license or state identification card and reliable transportation
KNOWLEDGE
▪ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
▪ Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and goals
▪ Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and filing
▪Knowledge of standard office equipment: such as computers/laptops/tablets, printers/copiers/fax machines/scanners, monitors/television, projectors, and telephone systems
▪ Knowledge of standard office software: such as internet software, word processing software, database software, and spreadsheet software
DISCLAIMER
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.