Employment Support Specialist

Position Purpose:

To provide intensive one-on-one training and long-term support to individuals with disabilities employed at community employment sites.

Primary Duties:

• Provide intensive hands on, one-on-one training as the individual becomes increasingly more competent performing job requirements
• Train and counsel clients, in competitive employment using systematic instructional techniques, compensatory strategies, job adaptation/modification and positive behavioral support techniques
• Provide on-going support and advocacy as required for the continued employment of the individual
• Provide individualized behavioral and social skills training that improves worker performance and acceptability in a community employment setting with co-workers with and without disabilities
• Write Individual Service Plans (ISP), for each client outlining all goals, objectives and methods of evaluating goal attainment.
• Represent the individual, DARS and VRI in a professional manner to the employer. Provide superior service to the individual, DARS, school systems and business community.
• Provide transportation, training and other support services necessary to sustain employment
• Coordinate daily on-site activities at community employment sites as assigned and required by funding sources
• Provide education, consultation and/or training to employers and co-workers of assigned individuals that allows inclusion into the work force
• Assists Supported Employment leadership in developing job sites for individuals with disabilities
• Collect data and submit reports in accordance with specific requirements
• Assist in meeting all applicable licensing and certification requirements as they relate to the employment program by keeping accurate records of placement activities
• Adheres to policies and procedures of VersAbility Resources
• Operate a motor vehicle to various work sites in order to train individuals with disabilities
• Provide hands-on, one-on-one training during days, nights, weekends and holidays when necessary to ensure sustained employment of individuals with disabilities
• Build strong relationships with supported employment referral source partners
• Engage with community employers to build working relationships and create employment opportunities
• Perform other duties, related to the direct support of individuals, as required

Qualifications/Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

Education: B.S. in Human Services preferred but not required. Supported Employment certification a plus.

Experience: One year working in an employment-oriented service for people with disabilities

Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

• Skill with oral communication
• Skill with written communication
• Skill with interpersonal relationships
• Skill in vocational rehabilitation
• Skill in use of MS Office Suite
• Knowledge of behavioral health
• Knowledge of Supported Employment training techniques
• Ability to foster positive relationships
• Ability to manage work/priorities
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Ability to model appropriate behavior in a work setting
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to administer regulations and standards

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Accountability: Accepting responsibility that results in anticipation/prevention of problem areas from actions, and problem solving inside and outside the department/organization.
• Attendance and Punctuality: Contributes reliably to the workplace by being in attendance regularly and by arriving punctually and leaving at the expected time.
• Attention to Detail: Taking responsibility for a thorough and detailed method of working.
• Collaboration: Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.
• Communication: Communicates effectively in all forms.
• Customer Focus: Knowing the (internal and external) customer business needs and acting accordingly; anticipating customer needs, and giving high priority to customer satisfaction and customer service.
• Initiative: Does more than is required or expected in the job. Goes beyond expectations in the assignment, task, or job description without being asked.
• Innovation: Applies original thinking in job responsibilities and provides feedback to leadership to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.
• Professionalism: Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of ones words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior.
• Quality: Produces results or provides service that meets or exceeds company standards.
• Reliability: Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
• Teamwork: Working as a productive member of a cohesive group toward a common goal, and contributing to team development and an effective team dynamic.

Environmental:

Work irregular hours as required at different work assignments. Physically perform job requirements when training individual. Work in inclement weather conditions. Transport individual as needed to stabilize employment. Works nonscheduled hours in support of individual and employer requirements.

For any employment related questions, please email us at wehire@versability.org