Career Exploration Group Facilitator

Description

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for coordinating and leading a community-based pre-vocational service to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Supports individuals interested in employment opportunities by assessing interests and providing training on employment-related curriculum, organizing volunteer and work experiences, and coordinating referrals to community employment services.

I. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential functions are italicized)

A. Program Administration/Client Services

1. Provide instruction on vocational-related curriculum to individuals served.
2. Transport individuals to and from various community locations using personal and/or agency vehicles, and provide hands-on learning opportunities within those community-based settings.
3. Develop and maintain relationships with community partners for the purpose of enhancing employment and educational opportunities for individuals served.
4. Coordinate the pursuit of future community employment opportunities through referrals to Noble’s Community Employment team and Vocational Rehabilitation.
5. Actively participate in person-centered planning meetings for individuals, providing planning and support specific to career goals and aspirations.
6. Explore partnership opportunities for curriculum and business development.
7. Provide direct, interactive supervision and support to engage with individuals served during all activities.
8. Attend to the daily personal, self-care needs of persons served in a timely manner and in a way that signifies respect and dignity to the individual.
9. Administer medication as prescribed by the individual’s health care provider and in compliance with medication administration standards, and document such information in accordance with the individual’s support plan, physician’s orders and agency procedures.
10. Identify adaptations and/or alternative supports so that each individual may actively participate in all activities of their choice.
11. Promote, facilitate and establish linkages and community supports for individuals served.
12. Seek out and/or act on opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts that preserve the rights of persons served.
13. Perform other duties and/or complete special projects as may be requested or assigned. 

B. Communications Systems/Practices

1. Identify and utilize effective verbal, written and electronic communication skills and vehicles to accomplish tasks and clarify information for all internal and external customers.
2. Ensure that all communication takes place in a professional manner, reflecting dignity and respect for persons served.
3. Utilize people-first language in all written and verbal communication.
4. Communicate both verbally and non-verbally with persons served and their families in a manner that promotes positive interaction, is rewarding and accepting of each person’s unique style, values, experiences and skills.
5. Actively participate in department and committee meetings as appropriate, taking action on all assigned items.
6. Immediately alert supervisor/manager of any potentially critical issue or crisis situation.

C. Quality/Service Assurance

1. Promote health and safety of all staff and persons served through adherence to all agency policies and procedures.
2. Maintain all appropriate information in a confidential and professional manner, and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
3. Adhere to the organization’s Code of Ethics and support of identified Position Statements.
4. Model appropriate behavior in interaction with persons served, staff, families, community resources and other audiences/customers.
5. Actively participate in personal professional development through use of Performance and Professional Development Plan, training opportunities and interaction with other staff and professionals.

D. Reporting

1. Report monthly and/or as needed on program success/progress and other identified metrics, and provide data for grants as needed/requested.
2. Utilize designated software database to accurately and consistently document client demographic information, progress toward outcomes, and services provided as necessary to meet billing/productivity requirements.
3. Complete individual client documentation and monthly reports, track client attendance and other metrics as required.
4. Prepare all necessary reports according to established timelines and in adherence to agency guidelines.

E. Industry Relations

1. Engage in leadership behavior to contribute to the organization’s growth and development and to the provision of individualized supports and services that facilitate personal outcomes for persons served.
2. Provide leadership/mentoring to others through example and the sharing of knowledge and skills, as appropriate and/or requested.
3. Develop and maintain professional relationship with all internal and external customers.
4. Network with agency and other professionals to develop and enhance knowledge, skills and abilities.

Requirements

I. REQUIREMENTS

A. Education/Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in human services or a closely related business field, such as education, rehabilitation, marketing, etc. preferred.
2. Associate Degree in human services, education or related field (or equivalent college credits) required. 
3. Prefer two years work experience in human services supporting individuals with disabilities.  
4. Experience in job analysis and work-site training, as well as an understanding of supported employment practices preferred. 

B. Business/Technical Skills

1. Technical/professional knowledge in the area of instruction and networking.
2. Ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.
3. Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply information from general procedures, instructions, data and reports.

C. Interaction Skills

1. Oral/written communication skills to clearly and effectively express ideas.
2. Ability to promote and participate as an effective team member.
3. Ability to use strategic thinking to understand and implement changes in anticipation of events and circumstances.
4. Customer service, negotiation and networking skills to establish contacts for the purpose of expanding opportunities for individuals served.

D. Self Management Skills

1. Maintain regular attendance and punctuality and accurately maintain record of attendance.
2. Ability to plan and organize work activities/processes, use discretion and sound judgment, take initiative and demonstrate flexibility to ensure goals are achieved in a timely manner.
3. Cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

E. General Requirements / Working Conditions

1. Must provide own transportation, have valid driver’s license and driving record must meet insurability requirements.
2. Must maintain and provide documentation of auto insurance at limits set by agency.
3. Must maintain CPR and First Aid certification, and must stay current on all other training as defined by state, accreditation body or organization guidelines.
4. Must have ability to lift/move individuals and/or materials weighing up to 75 lbs. periodically.
5. Must have ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel and reach frequently.
6. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is seldom exposed to moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.