What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CLEVELAND INC?
Job Details
Description
BASIC FUNCTION: Provide coverage and case management for persons served in group employment services as well as for individuals receiving career planning. These services may include backup coverage at group employment sites, on-site training, job coaching, supervision and follow-along assistance to client and transitional clients, career discovery, career exploration, benefits education/analysis, employment planning, and job seeking skills training. The expected outcomes for individuals served include paid employment and work experience leading to further career development and their ultimate achievement of competitive integrated employment and/or career advancement in employment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide back-up coverage for Site Supervisors, including planned and emergency coverage in their absence.
2. Instruct individuals served at group employment and community-based assessment sties in "hands-on" functions as assigned by the host employer. Retrieve work materials and set up workstations accordingly.
3. Ensure that production and quality standards as specified by the host employer are met by supported site workers.
4. Participate in the development and preparation of individual plans for persons employed at the work sites, as requested.
5. Monitor and document clients’ progress in relation to achieving individual goals specified on the Individual Plan (IP). Complete daily client documentation while providing site coverage.
6. Maintain client files in accordance with agency and CARF standards
7. Provide job coaching for clients in the performance of job duties and social integration skills at individual placement, situational assessment, and group employment sites.
8. Provide transportation training services to assist clients with learning how to travel safely and independently, usually on public transportation, from one specific destination to another specific destination (usually from home to work and back). Generate plan and final progress report for this service.
9. In conjunction with other OakLeaf Partners staff members, provide Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST) through individual and group sessions.
10. Evaluate clients’ overall work readiness, skill levels, and aptitudes for specific jobs using observation and standardized testing instruments.
11. Provide career planning services, including discovery, career exploration, benefits education/analysis, employment plan development, as well as general guidance to assist individuals in making an informed decision about a vocational goal.
12. Assist with training/coaching community employment staff on new programs, improved techniques, more effective documentation techniques, etc. Review site supervisor documentation, as requested, including program reports, monthly service data sheets, IP’s, etc.
13. Assist with the outcome measurement process by conducting follow-up contact with employers and clients; may include personal visits, phone contact, or mailed forms.
14. Attend departmental, OakLeaf Services and agency staff meetings as required.
15. Regularly communicate with other OakLeaf Services staff to coordinate services, share information and problem solve.
16. Perform other reasonably related job duties as requested
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Combination of education and experience typically represented by an Associate’s degree in a human services field; minimum of a high school diploma or GED and three years of related experience.
2. CESP preferred or the ability to obtain certification within 13 months of employment.
3. Experience working with adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities in a vocational or teaching capacity required.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills, professional appearance, attention to detail, accuracy and ability to plan and organize work efficiently and independently.
5. Must have the ability to interact effectively in a professional environment and with all stakeholders involved in a client’s program.
6. Must have ability to provide leadership and direction to client workers.
7. Great flexibility in accepting a wide variety of assignments at employment sites in the community, including clerical, manufacturing, guest services, food services, and janitorial.
8. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
9. Ability to organize information to generate reports.
10. Demonstrated reliability and dependability.
11. Ability to maintain a positive attitude toward clients, staff and agency and to work cooperatively with inter- and intra-agency personnel.
12. If applicable at a particular worksite, physical capability to perform lifting (at least 50 lbs.), pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling and reaching.
13. Reliable transportation and willingness/ability to transport persons served, as needed, and a valid Ohio driver’s license with no more than two (2) moving violations.