Employment Specialist

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

SUMMARY: To support individuals in community-based employment opportunities, by developing job sites, collecting data at job sites to assist in appropriate job matching and facilitating the development of natural supports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Job Development including:

a) Maintaining a log of business contacts established through phone calls or face-to-face meetings.

b) Delivery of a polished and professional marketing message when approaching prospective employers.

c) Networking at various community events sponsored through the Cranston or Providence Chambers of Commerce or other community events, as needed.

2. Job Readiness Assistance including:

a) Assisting participants with completing job applications, cover letters and other business correspondence.

b) Assisting participants with developing resumes.

c) Career Counseling using various resources available, including labor market information accessed on the internet.

d) Familiarity with local resources, especially NetWork RI offices.

e) For the school program, these tasks are completed primarily in the classroom under the teacher's direction.

3. Job Coaching including,

a) Data Collection as required for ORS reports, (i.e. modified job analysis, situational assessment reaction sheet, Work Personality Profile by supervisor, log of dates and times with anecdotal notes.)

b) Transportation of participants to and from job sites, as needed.

c) Supervision and on-the-job training of participants at the job site.

d) Modifications of duties based on the participants needs, with permission from the job-site supervisor.

e) Development of natural supports, including referrals to RIDE program, if appropriate.

f) Transfer of pertinent information to other staff, and/or training of essential skills (i.e. job training in additional job coaches to ensure consistency of expectations) and other skills, as necessary.

4. Record keeping and documentation including,

a) Data Collection, (Refer to 3A, as listed above).

b) Quarterly goals and performance updates for each participant involved with VocLinks. (Applies to Adult and Community Support Program. For the Children's Program, annual goals are incorporated into the IEP by the teacher).

c) A Vocational Profile, updated annually.

d) Filing of all ORS reports in Vocational Section of participants records.

e) Monitoring of income and reporting to SSI.

f) Completion of PASS plans and IRWE's as necessary.

5. Attendance and Participation at Meetings including:

a) ORS meetings for individual consumers.

b) Monthly Supported Employment Meetings for the Adult and Community Support Programs and School to Career Meetings for the Children's Program, as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Within the residences, employment specialists are responsible for overseeing the day to day functioning of those participants involved in employment situations. They are also responsible for training additional staff to assist with job coaching responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations are available to all disabled employees, where their disability affects the performance of job functions except in cases where the disability poses a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers of agency services.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associate's Degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school: or six month’s to one-year related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required to complete certificate program "Supporting Meaningful Employment" offered at Rhode Island College.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, REQUIREMENTS: Valid Driver’s License/registration and insurance, completion of Criminal Records Check, Fingerprinting, OIG and E-Verify, CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, Certificate Program (RIC) "Supporting Meaningful Employment."

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are available to all disabled employees, where their disability affects the performance of job functions except in cases where the disability poses a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers of agency services. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation is available to all disabled employees, where their disability affects the performance of job functions except in cases where the disability poses a direct threat to the health and safety of consumers of agency services. Work environment is dependent on type of employment position held by consumer.

OTHER: As an employee of spurwink|ri, the Employment Specialist is expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of spurwink|ri. As he/she may be required to drive on agency business, he/she must maintain a current RI state driver's license and a clean driving history as outlined in the spurwink|ri Employee Driving Policy

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cranston, RI 02910: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $0