Employment Specialist

Position

Description:

Delivers continuous, hands-on support to participants across all stages of employment services. Duties include assisting with Career Planning Assessment (CPA) activities, leading job readiness instruction, supporting work-based learning opportunities, providing job coaching support, facilitating successful matches between participants and available positions, and guiding participants through the job search and hiring process. This position promotes active engagement, strengthens skill-building, and helps individuals advance toward competitive, integrated employment outcomes under the supervision of the Program Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate employment services programs on individual and group basis to people with disabilities; take referrals; set goals with participants; work with people with disabilities on completion of goals; support people with disabilities in areas requiring advocacy; make referrals to other organizations as needed; work with families of participants when appropriate.
• Engage employers to identify openings and unmet employment needs.
• Advocate for the collective needs of people with disabilities.
  
  Work with advocacy groups within MHI service area.
• Document services provided according to policies and procedure.
  
  Maintain objective, clear and concise records of contacts in participant's file; solicit needed information from consumers for program evaluation and reporting purposes; record completed requests for information.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to counsel with and listen to the concerns of people with disabilities.
• Ability to assist people with disabilities plan, and achieve personal goals.
• Ability to assist people with disabilities in finding employment and developing job related skills.
• Ability to engage employers by setting up meetings and visiting potential work sites.
• Ability to provide job placement assistance, job coaching, referrals and oversee employer training programs.
• Knowledge of community-based services available to people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of general laws and regulations providing rights and benefits to persons with disabilities.
• Ability to express ideas clearly in both written and oral communications.
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation, regulations ordinances for purposes of determining effect on the lives of persons with disabilities.

• College degree or equivalent experience.
• Prefer experience working with people with disabilities.
• Human Resources and/or job development and placement experience preferred.
• Excellent computer navigation skills.
• Ability to travel to conferences/trainings in and out of the state.
• Participate in continuing education classes.
• Pass a background check.
• Valid driver's license.