Community Employment Specialist - Team Leader

Community Employment Support Professional-Team Leader

This is a full time position 40+ hours a week.

This position is directly responsible to the Quality Assurance & Safety Specialist. This position is responsible for the completion of Community Employment-related duties. These duties include, but are not limited to, Career Exploration, Job Development, Job Shadows, Job Coaching, and the completion of Workplace Readiness Assessments. This position will also act as the Team Leader for all other staff working in the Community Employment Department.

Specific

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Career Exploration

• Provide Career Exploration activities to individuals of all ages receiving services.
• Meeting with individuals and families/guardians to introduce supported employment, as well as explore the individual's employment goals.
• Work with individuals to develop a formalized career plan. This will be accomplished by utilizing discovery techniques, business tours, job shadowing, informational interviews, work site assessments, and other job exploration activities.
• Work with individuals to develop soft skills. This may include working on interviewing skills, conducting/organizing mock-interviews, working on co-worker relations, how to communicate with supervisors, and improving customer service skills.
• Work with Individuals to explore topics on and improve financial literacy.
• Document individual performance daily. Keep all charts and daily reports up to date and accurate. Submit data to supervisor as requested.
• Develop relationships with local business and industry in order to offer a variety of career exploration options to individuals receiving services. In order to offer a good sample of career options, employers must be willing to allow Nishna Productions, Inc. staff and clients into their business to observe and interact with employees.
• As needed, manage transportation for individuals receiving Career Exploration services.

B. Job Development

• Implement marketing strategies for Community-Based Employment services.
• Complete job development based on inclusion, commensurate wages, benefits, consumer choice, and employer needs.
• Maintain regular contact with community employers.
• Oversee completion of all placement forms and documentation of on-going performance.
• Make arrangements for job coaching for individuals placed.
• Work with agency Program Coordinators or outside professionals, i.e. Community Case Managers, IVRS Counselors, School Personnel, etc., in developing and coordinating any other services that consumers might need.
• Act as a liaison with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Medicaid Case Managers, HHS Social Workers, and local school systems. Coordinate referrals from these referral sources.
• Responsible for maintenance of all records and documentation using the proper forms as they relate to established procedures and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate with Community-Based Employment staff to ensure completion of placements and all duties associated with placements.
• Responsible for maintaining CARF accreditation.

C. Workplace Readiness Assessment-WRA

• As requested, assess individuals participating in Workplace Readiness Assessment.
• For Workplace Readiness Assessments, complete the following:
• a) Develop job exploration, job shadowing, and on-site assessment sites in the communities where the individuals have expressed a desire to work or to secure further training.
• b) Provide 100% supervision and support to individuals while being assessed on community job opportunities. Complete a timesheet with stated wage for payment through NPI for individuals involved in on-site assessment.
• c) Complete all forms required for the Workplace Readiness Assessment.
• d) Complete a final report summarizing the results of the assessment and addressing the supports needs of the individual in order to be successful in community employment or additional training.
• e) Conduct an exit staffing.
• f) Complete Case Activity Logs to document activities pursued with the individual.
• g) Complete all paperwork as required for each service.
• 3. Responsible for maintaining CARF accreditation.

D. Job Coaching

• Provide direct training and support to individuals on community job sites.
• Implement goals and objectives, and methods for achieving them. Carry out instructional activities consistent with individual training objectives.
• Document individual performance daily. Keep all charts and daily reports up to date and accurate. Submit data to supervisor as requested.
• Attend and participate in any staff meetings.
• If requested, handle transportation to and from job sites at the beginning of each placement.
• Learn tasks of community job sites in order to train individuals. Be available as needed to provide support and follow-up.
• Communicate with supervisor regarding the development of any necessary behavior intervention data.
• Integrate the individual with his/her co-workers. Provide models for others for appropriate ways to interact with the individual.
• Assist the employer in working…