Employment Specialist II
: Job Details :

Have you been searching for a career that is meaningful, where you could make a positive difference to others? Have you been seeking a career that gives you a sense of purpose where you can contribute to people's well-being? Do you enjoy helping others succeed? If yes, we have an opportunity for you!Our person-centered approach allows you to help make a positive impact in people's lives. Apply today and begin your career by making a difference and fulfilling your sense of purpose!We are seeking attentive and compassionate team members to join our team! We offer a generous benefits package to include options for medical, dental, vision, employer paid life insurance, 403 b with employer contribution, PTO accruals, two weeks of paid training, and more!Make any day a payday! You work hard for your money, why wait to be paid?JOB SUMMARYThe Employment Specialist II will assist individuals enrolled in Project Search, Student Internship Experiences, Community Habilitation, Community Prevocational Services and Supported Employment to prepare for paid employment or unpaid meaningful community activities, including volunteering. The Employment Specialist II is also responsible for providing services under the ACCES-VR Contract, to include conducting Vocational Assessments and Benefits Advisement. The Employment Specialist II reports to the Associate Director of Vocational Services.JOB FUNCTIONS:Regulatory and Corporate Compliance

• Ensure compliance with regulations, agency policies and procedures.
• Ensure required documentation is complete, accurate and legible.
• Ensure the agency's incident management process is followed.
• Provide input in the development and revisions of policies, procedures and agency forms as needed.
• Ensure Chain of Command is followed when necessary and instructions are followed as stated in policy and procedures.
• Promote the highest quality of support by implementing the Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.
• Keep all information confidential

Financial Management

• Assist with ensuring adherence to the annual budget.
• Assist with ensuring accurate management of individual's funds.
• Complete personal allowance documentation and other financial documentation according to procedure.

Person Centered Services

• Provide services to individuals as planned in their Life Plan which includes the person's Individual Protective Oversight Plan (IPOP), Community Hab Plan, Community Prevoc Plan, Supported Employment Plan, Behavior Support Plans, Day Habilitation Plan, and/or other safeguards and ensure all related documentation is completed.
• Implement activities as outlined in the Staff Action Plan and, as applicable the Life Plan.
• Provide services to individuals as planned in their Individualized Employment Plan and ACCES-VR authorization and referral documentation.
• Provide services to individuals as planned in their Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan and outlined by their school district.
• Provide services to individual as planned in their Office of Mental Health employment plans for Assisted Competitive Employment, Transformed Business Model and On-Going Integrated Supported Employment. Associate will follow the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model for service delivery.
• Plan and coordinate daily activities.
• Act as an advocate for individuals.
• Complete assessments and compile baseline data as assigned.
• Assist and support individuals with community integration.
• Respect the individual's right to privacy and confidentiality by appropriate use of written and verbal communication.
• Work collaboratively with others to ensure the individual's health and well-being.
• Ensure emergency medical procedures are followed and consult with the medical chain of command when necessary.
• Provide services and follow individual's Plan of Nursing Services (PONS).
• Report and document all individual medical concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Complete weekly one-on-one meetings with the Team Leader and Manager and come prepared with an agenda.
• Complete one-page profiles and assist POMS as applicable.
• People are supported to reach their vocational goals.
• Assist individuals with adapting to the social demands of the workplace. Develop/teach strategies for the development of soft skills, stress management and navigating workplace rules, etc.
• Support people to develop confidence and independence to the greatest extent possible.
• Maintain professional and effective teamwork with all staff, families, college personnel & community.
• Assist and teach with development of goals for people based on the person-centered planning by maintain a positive and engaging learning environment.
• Maintain a focus towards individual goal achievement as indicated in their life plan.
• Provide counseling on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Program Standard

• Maintain an environment in the program which encourages and facilitates optimal personal development.
• Complete assigned daily responsibilities.
• Complete shift overlaps and specific duties as assigned, if applicable.
• Complete documentation, filing and general office maintenance and other routine operational reports, charge reports and any other paperwork as assigned.
• Assist in the identification and development of new services and support opportunities that provide quality of life choices.
• Complete monthly summaries and reports as assigned.
• Must become familiar with many different business policies, protocols, hierarchies, tasks, quality standards, etc.
• Work independently, problem solve, think critically and foresee potential issues, etc.
• Teach job tasks -adapt teaching style to accommodate different learning styles/modalities - be able to breakdown tasks and train person to be able to perform the tasks to business's quality specifications - create task analysis.
• Teach and support people in activities to prepare them for competitive employment and/or meaningful community-based activities; social skills training, grooming/hygiene/dress, resume and cover letter development, learning job seeking skills, interview skills instruction, etc.
• Must multi-task and be able to switch between different programs and funding sources throughout the course of a day. Caseloads are diverse comprised of individual involved in different funding sources.
• Development and use of natural supports.
• Will attend and complete all required ACCES-VR, OPWDD, Relias, and on-site trainings per agency policy and contract requirements.
• Must multi-task and be able to switch between different programs and funding sources through the course of a day. Caseloads are diversely comprised of individuals involved in different funding sources.
• Provide Case Management assistance to individuals supported; crisis management, housing, benefits, linkage and referral to addition supports, etc.

Physical Plant and Safety

• Ensure the site is a safe, clean environment and immediately address areas of concern.
• Maintain knowledge of fire evacuation plan and ensure plan is followed.
• Practice standard precautions and other appropriate infection control practices.
• Ensure site vehicles are maintained, as applicable.

Contacts with Others

• Develop and maintain positive customer relationships both internal and external. This includes family, local businesses, and external service providers.
• Maintain effective working relationships with service providers, community resources and families.
• Ensure that internal and external written and verbal communications regarding the agency are positive and reflect our mission, vision and values and respect the individuals' right to privacy and confidentially.
• Ensure customer concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner.
• Must have the ability to work autonomously.

Additional Functions:

• Participate in agency committees, initiatives, projects and trainings.
• Assist with coverage in the agency as assigned.
• Maintain certifications and annual training updates, as required.
• May be required to use your private vehicle to transport the people we support.
• Will be flexible with work locations and hours worked based on the needs of the agency to include working in a residential if necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• The person in this position exhibits conscientiousness, dedication, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
• The person in this position functions successfully with general supervision.
• The person in this position can work independently, take initiative and prioritize multiple assignments with attention to detail and deadlines in a high volume, stressful environment.
• The person in this position can establish effective relationships and work in a team environment to meet team and company goals.
• The person in this position can exercise discretion in handling confidential information. This includes medical, financial and personal information of associates and persons served.
• The person in this position has basic Microsoft Office skills.
• The person in this position demonstrates knowledge of introductory computer skills.
• The person in this position has good written and verbal communication skills.
• The person in this position can operate office equipment, computers and medical equipment.
• The person in this position must be able to operate wheelchair vans, if applicable at site.
• The person in this position must be able to work regularly scheduled hours as well as additional hours as assigned, including overtime, nights, and weekends.
• The person in this position must be able to be contacted outside of working hours as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in field related to personnel, employment counseling, counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, industrial relations/arts, or other suitable fields and one of the following options:
  • Two years' experience in vocational counseling in a rehabilitation setting, state employment agency, etc.
  • At least 18 semester hours in vocational rehabilitation, educational, or vocational guidance, psychology, social work, special education, or personnel administration and one year of experience in vocational counseling in a rehabilitation setting.
• Two-years' experience working with people with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Varied and successful work history in competitive employment settings.
• Alignment with agency's mission, vision and code of ethics.
• Demonstrate respectfulness, professionalism, effective teamwork and empathy such as active listening.
• Knowledge of employer expectations and employee behaviors and knowledge of the local job market.
• CPR/First Aid/AED instruction and SCIP Certification within the first six months of hire
• Complete 24 hours of Innovations in Employment Support Training within the first year of employment and 6 hours of continuing education each year after.
• Complete Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 or Tier 5 training from the New York Consortium of Advancement in Supported Employment within the first year of employment. Will complete 6 hours of continuing education each year after Training and certification in Valpar Pro 3000, McCarron Dial, World of Work Inventory and any other assessment tools deemed necessary by management.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:Where position requires driving:

• Valid driver's license for the state in which the person resides
• Acceptable safe driving record

Where position requires driving individuals served by the Agency:

• Motor vehicle with up-to-date inspection, that is registered and insured.
• Will be required to enroll in LENS (Licensed Event Notification System).

AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:People: This position has no direct authority and does not supervise anyone.Operations: This position operates under the immediate supervision of the Associate Director of Vocational Services and is responsible for preparing individuals for paid employment or unpaid meaningful community activities, including volunteering and following standard agency policy and procedures.Budget: This position must adhere to expense guidelines and programs.Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.