Employment Specialist

Description

The Employment Specialist provides daily scheduled direct support and training to individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain their employment  in the community. This position will be in  Seminole & Orange county.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides on-going follow-along services to ensure employment outcomes continue to be met for both employee and employer.
• Contacts with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Medicaid Waiver clients at their job and at home. Includes driving to various locations.
• Conducts assessments of the client’s employment needs and provides solutions and strategies to improve and seek enhancement opportunities for the employed client.
• Follows guidelines set forth by the iBudget Medicaid Waiver Coverages and Limitations Handbook.
• Using person-centered planning, develops and implements Employment Stability Plans.
• Documents data in compliance with iBudget and VR requirements and writes quarterly and annual reports for Medicaid Waiver clients.
• Provides job coaching to improve employment and revisits job skills as needed. 
• Tracks the clients work schedule through various methods and assists clients in scheduling transportation as needed. 
• Acts as a liaison between the client’s managers and family as needed. 
• Provides as-needed pre-vocational training and instruction in a group or individualized settings for transition-age youth 
• Seeks on-the-job training opportunities and processes OJT referrals for VR clients. 
• Provides basic information on benefits counseling during client classroom instruction.
• Develops relationships with community employers. 
• Develops natural support in the workplace and community for individuals with disabilities. 
• Monitors and records clients' progress in order to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
• Prepares and maintains records and case files, in services provided, narratives of client contacts, implementation plan development, service notes, and relevant correspondence.
• Works with clients to develop strategies for overcoming barriers. 
• Assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in career advancement at their job.
• Works a flexible schedule that reflects the needs of job seekers including evening and weekend appointments. 
• Conduct all essential functions in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Scope:  

• Position encounters varied work situations with limited but periodic complexity, operating from established procedures. 
• The position requires creative and adaptive problem solving but operates with supervision and direct management support. 
• Position may provide leadership support to others.
• The position maintains files containing sensitive and confidential documents. 
• The position provides employment support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

Requirements

CATHOLIC FAITH:

• Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant combination of education/experience required. 
• Major in Education, Rehabilitative Service, or Business preferred. 
• 3+ Years of related experience in a non-profit environment.

Specific Job Skills:

• Strong office and productivity software.
• Strong time management and prioritization.
• Ability to follow directions communicated synchronously (in person or over digital communications) and asynchrony (posted notices, emails, etc.)
• Ability to communicate both in person and digitally or in writing. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and adapt to feedback.
• Ability to provide feedback to others in a constructive and positive way.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to take responsibility for challenges encountered by oneself and others. 
• Entrepreneurial and agile spirit.
• Leadership, and the ability to provide guidance and support to others without direct supervisory authority. 
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required. 
• Must have a personal vehicle in good working order, that can pass inspection by an ASE certified mechanic and meet all other safety standards as required. Must maintain auto liability insurance at the $100,000 per person, $300,000 aggregate level. 
• Experience working with Salesforce or a comparable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is highly preferred. 
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a plus. 

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to lift up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, talk, feel, sit, grasp, hear and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrists. 

Working Environment: 

• Work is performed mainly in the community.