Employment Specialist - Full Time

About the position

The Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities by facilitating their successful integration into competitive employment. This position involves job development, establishing relationships with employers, and providing ongoing support to participants and their families. The specialist will advocate for participants, ensuring they receive equal benefits and opportunities in the workplace while also providing training and assistance to overcome barriers to employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform job development by contacting employers to introduce Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (GIV) and Supported Employment.
• Establish working relationships with businesses and employers, maintaining a record of all contacts.
• Complete task analysis of job duties for participants.
• Assist in screening applicants through record reviews, observations, and interviews, and develop individual program plans with measurable goals.
• Match job features to individual strengths and needs, considering accessibility, physical ability, family support, social skills, motivation, and daily living skills.
• Assist participants and families in overcoming barriers to successful employment, including transportation and benefits reduction.
• Provide orientation to job sites, new employers, and co-workers.
• Advocate for participants to ensure they receive the same benefits as non-disabled co-workers and are integrated into the workday.
• Provide on-the-job training to establish participants in competitive employment.
• Offer behavioral skills and ancillary training to maintain employment.
• Work closely with employers and co-workers to develop a supportive work environment and train them in disability awareness.
• Conduct ongoing assessments and provide support, including regular feedback from employers and behavioral data related to work performance.
• Maintain individual data and report progress to service providers and families, completing written monthly reports and invoices for billing purposes.
• Participate in meetings with GIV staff, school personnel, and other stakeholders to review participant progress and program plans.
• Assist participants and families in accessing community resources and making referrals as needed.
• Counsel participants on behavior and performance, ensuring proper documentation is maintained.
• Manage assigned case records in accordance with GIV policy and applicable standards.
• Act as a Mandated Reporter as defined by the State of Virginia Human Rights Act.
• Ensure the safety of workers by implementing safety procedures and policies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding participants' information.
• Participate in ISO and/or CARF procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations and interpret data in various forms.
• Basic knowledge of computer use and record-keeping skills, along with good time management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, staff, and community agencies.
• Empathy towards the psychological and physical needs of participants.
• Successful completion of State background investigation and drug screen.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in supported employment or working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of community resources available for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage of $19.49.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Supportive team-centered work environment.