Employment Coordinator - CDS

The Employment Coordinator provides job placement services, on-site skills training, and other support services to individuals in the Employment Services and Community Day Services Programs

WAGE TRANSPARENCY NOTIFICATION

Little Friends, Inc. is committed to providing salary and benefits information for all open positions. Please note that all disclosed compensation rates for this role will be determined based on required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications, and seniority. Little Friends, Inc. also has the right to offer candidates appropriate compensation rates, determined by the employer, commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications, or seniority. 

Schedule: 37.5 Hours per week (requires scheduling flexibility Monday - Sunday)

Rate: $22-24/hour

Benefits: 

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Vacation Paid
• Sick Time
• Paid Leave Time
• Excellent EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Qualifications: 

• High school degree or equivalent required
• Must possess a valid IL Driver's license
• Must have state-mandated minimum automotive insurance 
• Must have a good driving record (fewer than 2 accidents/moving violations in last 5 years)
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, business, or a related field preferred 
• Experience working with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities is highly desired

Essential Functions:

• Must be capable of reading, writing, and speaking English to plan, coordinate, and schedule job development activities with individuals, guardians/caregivers (when necessary), and current/future community partners or vendors. Written communication must be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and free of spelling errors
• Must possess sufficient strength, agility, and sensory acuity to support program participants safely and effectively during programming hours. This includes responding to behavioral problems or emergencies using learned safety measures, as well as assisting with daily living tasks (such as toileting or dressing) with adults weighing 150+ lbs
• Must behave in a professional manner that reflects positively on oneself and Little Friends Inc. This includes demonstrating a high commitment to customer service and customer satisfaction for all internal and external customers of Little Friends Inc.
• Must possess sufficient computer skills to complete all required paperwork and assist individuals with job development activities and employer technology systems
• Is aware of, follows, and ensures that staff members follow the policies and procedures of Little Friends, Inc. and Spectrum Vocational Services
• Complete all training and re-certifications as per Little Friends, Inc. as well as the Department of Human Services and the Department of Rehabilitation Services

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance to employers on an ongoing basis. This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Recommendations regarding accommodations/adaptations in the work environment
2.  On-site skills training if reasonable training efforts of employer cannot accommodate individual's training needs. Due to the nature of CIE staff positions, which often require that staff provide support services in a wide variety of employment sites (such as food preparation areas, laundry rooms, offices, etc.)  must have sufficient strength, mobility, endurance and sensory acuity to perform all tasks typically required by employers of supported employment individuals in these settings.  Examples include but are not limited to:  being able to stand on feet for 8-hour shift; being able to retrieve items such as dirty dishes from restaurant tables or stock from stockrooms; being able to bend and lift to perform tasks such as making beds, washing dishes, stocking shelves; being able to see and respond to customers entering a store or office; being able to see and read printed materials to file or deliver them.
3. Disability awareness training/literature

• Maintains regular contact with individuals and employers within program guidelines.  In this capacity, flexibly schedule job site visits, travel training, meetings, etc. to meet individual and employer needs.
• Provides transportation and training for supported individuals.  Transportation may be required to be facilitated in an agency or personal vehicle
• Keeps manager informed of all job-related activities including updates on individual progress. Keeps residential program QIDPs and Managers informed of all job employee work-related activities for individuals living in the residential program
• Follows through and provides feedback on suggestions made by the staff support team (i.e. behavior specialist, program manager, program director)
• Maintains regular contact with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Counselor for DRS-funded individuals. This includes but is not limited to updating counselors on the vocational status of individuals, coordinating and chairing 8-week progress staffings for DRS, and submitting all necessary reports in a timely manner
• Completes and submits all assigned paperwork within the designated time frame
• Provides job placement services for individuals on assigned caseload which includes but is not limited to:

1. Trial job site assessments
2. Participate in developing job development service plan
3. Job development services i.e.: generating job leads, assistance in applying and interviewing
4. Educate/train employers about strategies that can be utilized to initially train supported individuals on their jobs
5. Supplementary training as needed

• Attends all mandatory meetings punctually
• Participates in the development of Personal Plans and implements assigned objectives as they relate to work skills training and acquisition of appropriate work behaviors by:

1. Working with each individual to formulate strategies that are realistic, observable, measurable, meaningful, age-appropriate, and which relate to the accomplishment of their outcomes.
2. Assisting the individual to improve their working abilities and tolerances to learn new vocational skills by training and supervising them on tasks such as clerical, janitorial, and stock work assignments
3. Supporting each individual’s development of self-confidence and work as a productive person through positive measures
4. Ensuring that each individual is productively occupied during activity time when work is not available

• Ensures the safety of assigned individuals throughout the workday to include but not limited to:

1. Ensuring that Emergency Binder is kept in the unit with an up-to-date individual list and any information needed to safely evacuate individuals in an emergency
2. Makes self-aware through review of files and discussion with others familiar with individuals of any medical conditions or behaviors that might require emergency intervention and the proper steps to take in such a case
3. In case of emergency evacuation or drill, ensure that assigned individuals evacuate the building quickly and safely and take roll call against the unit list on the emergency clipboard upon exiting to ensure that everyone is accounted for
4. Visually observes individuals and keeps track of their whereabouts at all times to ensure their safety
5. Ensures that other staff is assigned to cover the work unit before leaving assigned individuals for any reason

• Ensures opportunities for active involvement and learning during activity time which includes but are not limited to:

1. Assisting in the development and implementation of a structured day program organized by month and week which promotes independence by teaching and enhancing independent living skills, social skills, leisure/recreation activities as well as community and group integration
2. Participates in planning and leading informational community and classroom-style structured activities in one-to-one and small-group settings
3. Transports clients to community locations and ensures their safety and meaningful participation
4. Assists in the training of clients in the areas of daily living, choice-making, communication, and work-related activities

• Markets program services to potential employers, school districts, and funding sources as directed by the manager and director of employment services
• Completes monthly billing to include ROCs and DRS billing
• Serves on other teams and standing committees of Little Friends, as assigned
• Other duties as assigned by the manager or Director of Employment Services