TITLE: Employment Specialist
DEPT: Individual Supported Employment/DDS
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs
STATUS: Non-Exempt
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: Employment at Kuhn Employment Opportunities is at will. This means that the employment relationship is terminable, with or without cause or notice, by either party for any reason or for no reason. No one associated with Kuhn Employment Opportunities has the authority to make any promises contrary to this at-will definition.
SUMMARY:
Employment Specialists are responsible for assisting program participants to become competitively employed in the community and to reach their maximum level of vocational potential. This involves but, is not limited to, career planning and job matching, job development and placement, on the job training and follow-up support for adults with disabilities, as well as, other pre-placement activities deemed necessary such as, job seeking skills and travel training. Must be able to provide employment related support to individuals with a wide range of skills/abilities. Must be able to be flexible with work schedule to meet the needs of program participants and their employers. Must be able to communicate effectively with other Inter-disciplinary Team members to coordinate effective service delivery to program participants. Position requires personal vehicle use related to some client transportation needs. Kuhn offers mileage reimbursement for this purpose and for all business use needs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
This position requires such typical work operations and responsibilities as, but not limited to:
1. Establishing and maintaining contacts with business and industry; insuring job development; maintain written records of such contacts.
2. Providing counseling and support to identify/establish vocational goals and job interests of the participant, as well as, administering/arranging for interest/skill assessments as needed.
3. Obtaining employment opportunities for program participants via job development activities and maintaining effective communication with employers.
4.Providing on the job support, job seeking skills and assistance with transportation arrangements necessary for the participant to be employed.
5.Providing on the job training; assisting with adjustment and transition to the work environment; supporting and/or educating employers or coworkers with respect to the participant’s strengths and needs.
6. Providing transportation for program participants in personal vehicle during the job development process or in other circumstances when public transportation cannot be arranged.
7. Providing follow-up services to ensure job retention, as well as, ongoing supports to promote independence; assisting participants, in conjunction with other service providers, to maintain a balance in his/her life with regard to work and other issues.
8. Representing Kuhn at seminars/conferences such as trade and human services sponsored training events, staying abreast of latest human services approaches/techniques and labor market trends.
9. Advocating and communicating with other agencies, employers, families, and co-workers with regard to confidentiality and participant needs.
10. Maintain current and confidential record keeping systems including updating contact notes, releases, medical/psychological data and vocational/behavioral progress. Maintain client wage documentation.
11. Develop Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Career Plans in cohesive, measurable terms with input from stakeholders; and documentation of records according to an established time period.
12. Work with management to deliver quality services in accordance with best practices and DDS requirements.
13. Work private sector hours, i.e.: evenings, early mornings, split shifts, holidays if necessary to support employers/ employees.
OTHER DUTIES:
1. The person holding this position will also perform related duties such as participating in participant centered meetings; participating in Kuhn committees; participating in community events and organizations; assisting with positive publicity and other miscellaneous duties as needed. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES are shared by all staff on an as needed basis and are not necessarily assigned.
2. Works with and assists others as required. Performs additional duties at the request of the management.
3. Responsible for performing work duties in a safe manner, adhering to all established safety procedures and providing input into enhancing overall company safety.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation, Human Services or related field OR combination of a 4 year degree in a non-related field with related work experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary. Specific types of experience may be preferred depending upon the caseload of participants assigned.
2. Obtain and/or maintain CPR certification/First Aid Training.
3. Valid Connecticut driver’s license
4. Available means of transportation.
5. Personal automobile insurance in force on personal vehicle for work- related use.
6. Possesses basic computer skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Light to medium physical activity based on the job supports that may be necessary for participants on occasion. Ability to sit, stand, walk and drive. Ability to communicate with employers, supervisors, coworkers and other professional staff. Ability to drive own vehicle for work-related purposes.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.