Employment Specialist

Description

Supporting the Mission, Vision and Values of the Opportunity Foundation by Empowering People of Diverse Abilities;
Envisioning All People Living, Learning and Working Together;
Valuing Dignity, Equality, Integrity, Inclusion, Choice, Excellence and Empowerment.

The Employment Specialist, under the direction of the Business Services Manager, in addition to being responsible for providing vocational support and supervision for adults with developmental disabilities, is the key provider of quality services to the individuals of Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon. They are responsible for ensuring individuals have the jobs that they love in the community and that their employers have the assistance they need to train and maintain quality performance from their employees.

This position may assess skills and talents for individuals on their caseload, develops and implements service plans, develops leads and contacts at community businesses, and secures employment opportunities that are a match for both the individual and the employer. The Employment Specialist works at the job site with individuals to help train both the individual and the employer on effective communication techniques, accommodations, and developing natural supports in the workplace.

Additionally, the Employment Specialist coordinates with residential supports, families and other support team members to ensure employment success. These supports are performed in various settings in keeping with Opportunity Foundation's vision of all people living, learning and working together. The Employment Specialist is expected to continue to strive for excellence by developing skills and expertise that directly relate to this position.

The Employment Specialist will be evaluated equally between their skills and conduct as they apply to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Organization.

The person in this position must have an interest and willingness to work in the field of developmental/intellectual disabilities, and be flexible to support individual choice by setting aside one's values, and support the Values and Mission of the Organization. Must be willing to do routine or detailed tasks, work effectively and productively as a team member and a team leader.

Must be patient, tolerant, tactful, alert, enthusiastic, motivated and have a positive can do attitude. The Employment Specialist must possess a high level of professionalism in appearance, actions and words. This person must possess excellent problem solving ability, providing proactive solutions to problems. The Employment Specialist must demonstrate excellent individual service, with excellent networking and negotiation skills. The Employment Specialist must possess an understanding of applied behavior supports for persons with disabilities.

Effective oral and written communications skills are required. They must have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Reliable attendance is mandatory
• Must become familiar with each individual's personal and employment goals
• Identify opportunities for career growth with the employer and their supported employee and facilitate further training or coaching to assist both parties
• Must be able to motivate, direct, and exemplify outstanding verbal and written individual service skills
• Actively participate and build rapport with key co-workers and individuals at their place of employment as well as with community partners and their individuals to develop positive business relationships
• Demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills
• Participate in staff meetings, providing input to other team members and volunteers to share responsibilities that contribute to the success of the team
• Conduct and/or participate in individual review sessions with representatives of involved agencies and parent/advocates
• Develop and implement productive weekly schedules to assist assigned caseload in maintaining their employment or development employment opportunities
• Disseminate information about community-based employment to fellow providers, funders, employers, consumers and their advocates
• Provide information for potential employers regarding what is involved in employing people with disabilities including information about Opportunity Foundation and supported employment services
• Train the employer to support persons with disabilities at their worksite
• Establish natural supports for individuals in the workplace and…