Employment Specialist F​/T

Benefits

• Tuition and gym reimbursement
• Emergency assistance funds
• Paid time off
• Referral bonuses
• Retirement plan contributions
• Other benefits may be available depending on position.

Work as part of the interdisciplinary team to assist adult individuals with disabilities and/or other challenges in identifying and making choices about their social, vocational and personal goals; and in choosing, getting and keeping individual competitive employment.

• Coordinate intake process for new referrals and/or interdepartmental transfers including review of referral materials, conducting a comprehensive intake interview, developing an Individual Service or Recovery Plan (ISP/IRP), and completing required documentation.
• Implement the ISP/IRP, ensuring employment readiness and smooth transition to employment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, employers, family members, residential providers, funders, and other contacts to ensure resources are available to individuals.
• Schedule, facilitate, and/or participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop, enhance and review the ISP/IRP.
• Prepare for and participate in clinical team meetings (DMHAS-funded programs only).
• Prepare for and participate in Person‑Centered Planning meetings (DDS‑funded program only).
• Empower individuals to maximize their input regarding services/supports and support self‑advocacy activities.
• Assist in facilitation of training programs such as job seeking, job retention and relevant life skills.
• Review information about individuals from various sources to understand interests, aptitudes, strengths, and vocational goals.
• Assist in development of a professional resume for each assigned individual.
• Ensure a specified number of job placements that match individuals’ skills, needs and vocational goals.
• Train individuals to perform essential work tasks and facilitate integration into the workplace.
• Work with the employer to ensure a safe and accessible work environment.
• Provide crisis intervention and utilize approved behavioral management techniques.
• Provide required communication and documentation to meet agency, state, federal and other standards.
• Use computer to complete service documentation in program data management system.
• Ensure appropriate authorization for services and complete related billing.
• Assist individuals with transportation as required.
• Facilitate discharge planning and follow‑up regarding transfers to other programs.
• Perform other related essential duties as required or directed.

Hourly Pay Range: $20.35 – $27.27 per hour.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university in a related field; or at least one year of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license in good standing. Current registration and automobile insurance must be maintained.
• Other skills and abilities:
  Certification in physical/psychological management training (e.g., PMT), CPR and First Aid.
• Physical demands:
  Regular standing, walking, sitting, handling objects up to 25 pounds, and various movements such as stooping, kneeling and climbing. Vision requirements include close, distance and color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment:
  May involve moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid conditions, cold or heat, and a usually quiet noise level.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  Ability to read, interpret documents and write professional reports; strong communication skills; mathematical proficiency; reasoning ability; ability to solve practical problems.
• Ability to obtain approved certifications in physical/psychological management training, CPR and First Aid.

Goodwill Southern New England is an equal opportunity employer. No discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class.