Employment Specialist

About the Organization:

The Arc Prince George’s County serves more than 600 individuals with disabilities through a variety of programs, services and supports. Our primary areas of support are community living, family and personal supports, employment services, and day programs - all with an emphasis on person-centered community involvement and inclusion. To learn more about us, please visit www.thearcofpgc.org.

Position Summary:

The Employment Specialist reports directly to the Program Administrator of Employment Services/Individual Placement. The role of the Employment Specialist is to provide support to individuals in independent, community-based job settings. This support consists of job training in accordance with the person's needs, employer's requirements, and all applicable regulations. Also, this role is responsible for maintaining existing relationships with various employers. These services are not limited to developing and coordinating employment opportunities in local businesses in various industries, including but not limited to hospitals, colleges, public and private schools, retail, restaurants, hotels, government agencies, and small businesses.

These opportunities will meet the employment outcomes and the support needs of the people supported while assessing job matching and placement. Due to the nature of the Employment Specialist position, the Employment Specialist may be required to provide support some evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the support needs of the person on their employment site. This position has no direct reports.

However, the Employment Specialist is expected to be aware of issues related to supervising the people supported in the program.

Essential Functions:

Programmatic Teach job-seeking, application, resume, interview, retention, communication, and workplace skills.

Provide at least two direct support contacts monthly.

Conduct individualized skill assessments and community-based task trials.

Maintain accurate employment contact records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).Help individuals improve job performance and explore employment options.

Train employers and staff to provide effective supervision and natural supports.

Lead career planning for individuals seeking employment or advancement.

Provide job-search, interview, application, and follow-up support.

Arrange time-limited work experiences when appropriate.

Assist with negotiating pay, benefits, and employment terms.

Develop employment opportunities based on individual interests, skills, and support needs.

Participate in screening and job-placement recommendations.

Stay informed about tax incentives and benefits for employers hiring people with disabilities.

Ensure employers and staff uphold the rights of individuals supported.

Communication & Documentation Maintain positive relationships that support employment success.

Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and Town Hall Meetings.

Cooperate with Arc of Prince George's County, DDA, and OHCQ inspections/investigations.

Support the agency's mission, philosophy, and teamwork.

Promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Recognize and celebrate individual and team successes.

Understand and implement each individual's PCP.Complete required EHR documentation according to GIRP guidelines.

Person-Centered Plans Attend all PCP meetings for assigned individuals.

Complete all required pre-PCP paperwork.

Ensure PCPs are completed and approved on time.

Upload approved PCPs to the EHR promptly.

Ensure PCPs are properly implemented.

Maintain documentation to track PCP progress.

Help develop person-centered goals and competitive, inclusive employment opportunities.

Outreach Market and represent employment services to employers.

Develop new business…