Employment Specialist

Equal access to a good life means more than finding a reason to smile. It's traveling with confidence, learning new things, spending time with friends, and receiving respect and recognition for a job well done. As a Youth and Employment Coordinator, your success will be evident by their smile, but your impact will be seen throughout their entire life.

People with developmental disabilities deserve every opportunity to live their best life, free of judgment.

Position Summary

As our Employment Specialist, you'll support our mission through three key activities:

1. Assisting individuals in participating in their "Living Your Best Life" Service Model.

2. Encouraging and assisting individuals in planning and participating in meaningful activities that support competitive integrated paid employment opportunities.

3. Developing a relationship with the individual to assess and communicate their changing needs (affect, behavior, PCP, BP, etc) to co-workers, supervisor and appropriate community providers while also encouraging self-advocacy.

Core Responsibilities

Assisting individuals in participating in their "Living Your Best Life" Service Model this role supports...

● Identifying individual interests and personal abilities by completion of functional assessment using tools such as the Community-based assessment to create a Positive Personal Profile and/or to complete Discovery milestones.

● Assisting individuals in identifying & participating in volunteer opportunities.

● Facilitating transportation to support community activities that will help the individual meet their desired outcomes and supports inclusion within the local community.

Encouraging and assisting individuals in planning and participating in meaningful activities that supports competitive integrated paid employment opportunities This role supports...

● Supporting individuals in any applicable funding process for adults and/or youth by:

○ Developing employer paid/DORS funded jobs and/or volunteer placements

○ Completing Master Application/help with submission of job applications.

○ Writing resumes.

○ Assisting individual and/or applying for jobs.

○ Assisting individuals in preparing for job interviews.

○ Completing Employment Services and billing documents appropriately.

● Job Coaching people as needed with DORS & DDA funding by:

○ Providing on-site or off-site job support for individuals in community placements.

○ Maintaining contact with the person's employer in person and by phone to ensure individual satisfaction.

○ Acting as a liaison, as necessary, between the individual and their employer.

○ Developing on the job natural support for individuals.

○ Documenting job coaching notes as appropriate.

● Personal Care and Support:

○ Aiding individuals as needed during meals and bathroom breaks.

○ Following all levels of support as indicated in the Person-Centered Plans.

Developing a relationship with the individual and to assess and communicate their changing needs (affect, behavior, PCP, BP, etc) to co-workers, supervisor and appropriate community providers while also encouraging self-advocacy. This role supports...

· Providing positive reinforcement and positive feedback as a method of assisting the person to identify ways that their behavior influences interactions with peers, staff and the community.

● Assuring timely and accurate completion of documentation requirements, assuring all documentation is of a high quality that reports conclusive measurable results.

● Participating in the development of an individual's Person-Centered Plan and other planning meetings with individuals supported by Spectrum Support.

Requirements and Skills

● Ability to retain Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) within one year employment in this position.

● High school diploma or equivalency required.

● Participation in training to enhance job related skills, skills of coworker, and/or program development.

● Must have a valid drivers' license with no more than 2 points.

● Must be willing to drive personal and company vehicles, to include mobility vans. Must also have adequate levels of vehicle insurance and a personal vehicle to use.

● Ability to pass the background/LEIE and FBI fingerprinting search.

● PHYSICAL DEMANDS: ability and willingness to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be willing to assist persons with ambulatory limitations to transfer in/out of vehicles and to use the restroom. This position may require up to 80% walking or standing daily.