Employment Specialist

Job Details:

Job Location:

Kaleidoscope Day,177 Livingston St 2nd FL,Brooklyn,NY,11201 - Brooklyn, NY 11201, Position Type:
Full-Time, Education Level: Associates Degree or Equivalent, Salary Range: $22.00 - $26.00 Hourly, Travel Percentage:
Up to 50% , Job Shift: Day, The Employment Specialist provides individualized employment supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) participating in Heartshare’s Supported Employment Services (SEMP) program. The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing competitive integrated employment through job development, employer engagement, individualized job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support.

• Assist individuals in identifying employment interests, strengths, skills, and career goals through person-centered employment planning.
• Support individuals in pursuing competitive integrated employment opportunities aligned with their interests and abilities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community businesses, and workforce partners.
• Conduct employer outreach, job development activities, and employment networking.
• Assist individuals with completing applications, preparing resumes, practicing interviews, and developing workplace readiness skills.
• Educate employers regarding reasonable accommodations, disability awareness, and effective workplace supports.

• Provide individualized job coaching and training based on each person's employment needs.
• Teach job-related skills including task completion, workplace expectations, communication, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving.
• Support individuals in learning job duties, workplace routines, and employer expectations.
• Provide fading supports when appropriate while maintaining successful employment outcomes.
• Assist individuals in adapting to changes in job responsibilities, workplace expectations, or employment environments.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and retention support after placement.

• Provide community-based instruction to increase independence and workplace success.
• Assist individuals with developing transportation skills, including travel training and safety awareness.
• Support individuals in navigating community resources and employment-related activities.
• Promote self-advocacy and independence in workplace settings.

• Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain daily service documentation, monthly progress notes, employment reports, and required program records.
• Document employment goals, progress, barriers, and outcomes in accordance with OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Medicaid, and Heart Share requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of all individuals served in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Ensure documentation reflects services provided, individual progress, and employment outcomes.

• Advocate for individuals’ employment goals, preferences, and workplace rights.
• Participate in Individualized Service Plan (ISP), Life Plan, Program Planning Team, and employment-related meetings as required.
• Collaborate with Care Managers, families, residential providers, employers, and other service providers.
• Provide feedback regarding progress, challenges, and recommendations for continued employment success.
• Promote inclusion, dignity, independence, and meaningful community participation.
• Follow all OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OSHA, HIPAA, and Heart Share policies and procedures.
• Immediately report incidents, concerns, or changes in an…