Employment Specialist

Description

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work.

If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Position Summary:

Abilities First is seeking a full time Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist is responsible for the training, supervision and completion of tasks at community based work sites while the individual is in the intensive phase of ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment training Program (ETP) sponsorship. The Employment Specialist is also responsible for submitting quality documentation as required as well as accounting for all time spent supporting, training, and providing transportation for individuals receiving funding from ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment Training Program (ETP) in the intensive phase of employment.

Schedule: 40 hours, Day shift with flexibility needed to include evenings and weekends to meet the employer’s needs.

Salary Range:

Employment Specialist I $18.16- $20.16 per hour

Employment Specialist II $18.67- $20.67 per hour

Position Standards:

· Complete all documentation according to department, agency, federal and state regulations.

· Completely and accurately account for all hours spent supporting individuals in the intensive phase of employment and log those hours on an approved form.

· Responsible for providing and accounting for transitional coaching hours under the ACCES-VR and OPWDD Employment Training Program (ETP) contract.

· Responsible for quality control of all work performed at job sites.

· Responsible for engaging in and directing all job tasks performed by individuals at work sites and insuring they are properly trained to complete tasks.

· Provide coverage for co-workers when circumstances warrant and/or when requested.

· Responsible for training, supervision and coordination of services to insure individual goals are achieved and independence is fostered in each employee’s work setting.

· Attend all relevant case reviews, ISP meetings, required in-services and all other necessary meetings.

· As a representative of Abilities First, Inc., maintain a positive and proactive relationship with all employers, service providers, parents/guardians, co-workers, and community members.

· Advocate for each employee’s on-going success in a positive, supportive and creative manner.

· Work in cooperation with Job Developers to facilitate a team approach to the vocational experience for individuals with disabilities and support the individual until he/she stabilize in their current position.

· Work in cooperation with the Director, Job Developer, Extended Service Provider and employer to determine when an employee is ready to transition to extended services and facilitate that transition.

· When between assignments or during other periods of “down time” examples of assigned tasks include, but are not limited to, completing additional documentation, lending support to co-workers at additional work sites, lending support in other departments, transportation and attending additional trainings offered by the staff trainer or outside agencies for the purpose of professional growth and enhancement.

· Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.

· Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants,…