About the position
The Employment Specialist III plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities, enabling them to develop essential skills and enhance their ability to engage fully with their community. This position is part of Project SEARCH, a work transition program that provides real-life work experiences combined with training in employability and independent-living skills. The goal is to assist young people with significant disabilities in making successful transitions to productive adult lives. The Employment Specialist will provide face-to-face individualized support for interns at a Project SEARCH host business during three internship rotations, helping them acquire competitive and marketable skills. This includes utilizing Systematic Instruction to teach and break down tasks, building natural supports, developing accommodations, and identifying appropriate assistive technology. In addition to direct support, the Employment Specialist will provide training and guidance to empower Project SEARCH and supported employment consumers to self-advocate and develop strong natural support systems during their internships and subsequent employment. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including Project SEARCH business liaisons, department managers, and instructors, is essential for developing internship sites, completing internship analyses, and planning necessary modifications for both internships and competitive jobs. The role also involves conducting situational assessments, job development, placement, training, and follow-along support for individuals with significant disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in their roles. The Employment Specialist will also be responsible for administrative tasks, including tracking billable and unbillable intervention time, submitting case documentation, and maintaining compliance with various regulations and standards. This position requires a proactive approach to community outreach and networking, marketing the Supported Employment Program to generate referrals, and identifying job opportunities within Didlake and other industries. The Employment Specialist will also serve as a representative for Didlake at professional forums and job fairs, promoting the services offered to potential employers and the community.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized support for interns at a Project SEARCH host business during three internship rotations.
- Utilize Systematic Instruction to teach and break down tasks for interns.
- Develop accommodations and identify appropriate assistive technology for interns.
- Train and guide Project SEARCH consumers to self-advocate and develop natural support systems.
- Collaborate with business liaisons, department managers, and instructors to develop internship sites and complete internship analyses.
- Conduct situational assessments, job development, placement, training, and follow-along support for individuals with disabilities.
- Market the Supported Employment Program to generate referrals from various entities.
- Identify job opportunities within Didlake and other industries for consumers.
- Accurately track all billable and unbillable intervention time and submit case documentation in a timely manner.
- Participate in community outreach and networking to promote Didlake's employment services.
Requirements
- BA/BS degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or related field with two years of related experience; or a Master's Degree in a related field with one year of experience; or a high school diploma with at least five years of experience in transition or supported employment services.
- Job Coach certification within six months of hire.
- Ability to use positive, pro-active behavior management techniques.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer-based case management systems.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable under Didlake's automobile policy.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in vocational rehabilitation or social work.
- Knowledge of disability awareness and advocacy.
- Familiarity with CARF accreditation standards.
Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement for travel.
- Ongoing training as required by CARF.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
