POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist is an important member of the HCBS and Support Services team. The Employment Specialist is responsible for developing vocational opportunities, preparing individuals for community work experiences, and, upon placement, providing functional assessment and on-site/off-site training.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Interpret and train the worker in work expectations and the realities of the competitive job setting so that the worker may understand how his/her training and goal setting to the world of work

Collaborate with individuals to develop a Work Readiness Plan.

Develop strategies to implement objectives identified in the Work Readiness Plan.

Identify potential barriers, clarify short term goals and identify the services and supports/accommodations individuals will require to choose and obtain internships with an eventual outcome of employment.

Assess individual's work readiness skills, develop work readiness curriculum, and provide work readiness skills training.

Provide site development services: contact employers to locate vocational opportunities for consumers; match consumer's skills and interests with vocational opportunities; arrange for tours of job sites and take individuals to interviews.

Provide disclosure and accommodation counseling.

Provide benefits counseling to ensure that individuals are informed of how employment will affect benefits.

Develop a transportation plan with individuals to ensure the person's ability to get to and from work.

Upon placement, gather information about the demands of the work role site and functionally assess individual's levels of skill performance.

Develop a plan to provide on-site/off-site skills training; implement plan.

Perform on going assessment of individual's work quality and productivity and, as needed, implement training interventions.

Maintain documentation: service plans, log reports, time utilization, waiver services documentation, and other assigned paperwork.

Complete required documentation accurately and within specified timeframes; maintain confidentiality of client records; transmit required paperwork and statistical data to referral sources and supervisor.

Maintain communication with referral sources, treatment team and other interested parties, as indicated.

Provide transportation to consumers, as needed.

Keep abreast of trends, changes and new developments in vocational rehabilitation.

Health, Safety, & Compliance

Maintain a work environment in a clean, organized, and safe manner.

Conduct daily inspections of work areas to look for unsafe conditions

Use all required safety devices and personal protective equipment.

Ensure all accidents are reported to supervisor and Human Resources.

Be familiar with the Health & Safety Program and abide by all safety and health rules, work practices, and regulations.

Agency Standards

Demonstrate positive work attitudes and habits.

Act as a role model for vocational success for individuals

Maintain a clean and neat appearance consistent with agency standards and act as a role model

Attend all required meetings and trainings

Participate in training programs for professional growth as scheduled and approved

Responsible for understanding and adhering to Gateway Hudson Valley's Corporate Compliance Policy and Standards of Conduct as well as all applicable program rules, regulations and policies.

Keep abreast of any changes or modifications to policies or regulations.

Ensure that all staff are knowledgeable of applicable regulations, laws, and policies

Perform other duties as assigned

The range of this hourly rate is commensurate with experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

High School Diploma required

Associate's Degree in human services related field preferred

Experience:

Two (2) years' experience in human services or related field with High School Diploma

One (1) year experience in human services or related field with Associate's degree

Licenses / Certifications:

(Will train)

CPR/First Aid

Medication Administration

SCIP

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to Sit or stand for 8 hours/day

Must be able to bend down or kneel occasionally (1-2 times/week)

Must be able to use hands, wrists, and fingers with full range of motion

Must be able to arm- or wheelchair-assist individuals to ambulate as needed

Must be able to perform CPR in emergency situation and for regular recertification

May occasionally be required to lift no more than 25 pounds (1-2 times per month)

REGULATORY CLEARANCES REQUIRED:

Must have a valid NYS Driver's License and maintain a driving record which meets the insurable criteria of the Agency's automobile insurance carrier

Must have a favorable result from all state, federal, and agency mandated background checks

We are an EEO/AA employer.