Supported Work Employment Specialist

POSITION TITLE:  Supported  Work Employment Specialist

 

POSITION STATUS: 35 Hours/Week, 52 Weeks/Year

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: Associate’s Degree in human services, social science or related field and two (2) years experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: Employment Specialist, Job Coach, Rehabilitation Counselor or Specialized training with community inclusion projects. A valid NYS driver’s license acceptable to the Agency’s insurance standards.

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The Supported Work Employment Specialist will provide job development, job training and supervision to program participants in community-based competitive jobs.  Reports directly to the Supported Employment Coordinator. 

 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

 1.  Visits potential worksites to observe and perform jobs to learn responsibilities for a given position prior to consumer’s placement.

 

 2.  Provides customized one-to-one training to aid the consumers in acquiring the work and interpersonal skills needed to meet the employers’ expectations for work performance and social functioning in the work setting (including role modeling/demonstration, shadowing/emotional support, systematic fading) and monitoring/evaluating work performance.

 

 3.  Transports program consumers in personal auto or agency van as needed.

 

 4.  Mediates the needs of the individual with those of the employer during the training phase, focusing on tangible outputs in terms of productivity and efficiency, while negotiating reasonable accommodations.

 

 5.  Coordinates and provides information necessary for the smooth transition of individuals to “follow alongâ€� services.  Works with employers to address consumer performance issues.

 

 6.  Maintains a record-keeping system to document required and pertinent information, ensuring completion in a timely manner and an ongoing communication exchange with other team members.

 

 7.  Develops and maintains a collaborative working relationship with the individual's clinician, family/residence provider, and program sponsor to promote the development/implementation of an effective support service plan.

 

 8.  Conducts consumer job satisfaction surveys.

 

 9.  Attends and participates in staff meetings.

 

10. Consults with consumers to develop written goals and objectives by taking into account the individual’s needs.

 

11. Attends and participates in in-service training as required.

 

12. Assists Placement Specialist with developing jobs for competitively employable individuals.

 

13. Assists in training individuals to use public transportation.

 

14. Sets up and conducts situational assessments when needed.

 

15. Performs any other duties as deemed necessary for the welfare of the individuals and the agency at the discretion of the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services/Clinic Coordinator or Supported Employment Coordinator.