Employment Specialist

Job Overview: 

This position delivers all phases of Career Exploration, Job Development, and Job Coaching with a specialty placed on Job Development. Responsibilities will include identifying clients skills, talents, and interests and finding job placement opportunities that fits within them. As well as building relationships with employers to foster positive job placements with clients. 

Outcome: 

Assesses adult individuals with developmental disabilities for employment capabilities, provides training assistance, offers continuing support, and assists clients target potential jobs, explore job possibilities in the community, and make job placements. Educates employers and community providers about ACC’s Employment Services and encourages them to recognize clients' abilities to be productive and successful. 

Employment Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age, or older. 


• Clear background checks as defined by regulations and policies


• High school diploma or equivalent required


• One year experience working with individuals who experience developmental disabilities with an emphasis on job placement preferred


• Requires access to a car, a valid driver’s license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and clean driving record


• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with people with different communication styles and abilities 


• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-competent services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.


• Ability to provide employment services and compliance with confidentiality in accordance with federal, state and/or funding source requirements.


• Knowledge of community resources enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.


• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Google Docs, Sheets, and various other electronic record keeping systems


• Ability to lift 20 lb. walk, bend, kneel, and reach. Stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment


• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) fluency is preferred

Responsibilities:

• Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.


• Help clients think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.


• Provide education and support to family members about work and gather input about skills, interests, strengths of the client and ideas for support.


• Discuss client's preference for disclosure of disability or any medical status to employers, including possible costs and benefits and specific information to be disclosed.


• Conduct employer contacts each week to learn about businesses and employer needs, and to talk about opportunities for informational interviews, job shadowing, or employment openings


• Participate in weekly meetings with team members and communicate individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate services and generate ideas to help people achieve their employment goals.


• Manage time successfully to balance working with clients in the field, conducting field research talking to employers and businesses about potential opportunities, participating in client/team meetings, and maintaining thorough progress notes and documentation 


• Assess and identify the needs of the client using a multitude of different strategies to develop a clear protocol of accommodations on a job site, as well as educating the family or potential employers of these needs for successful employment. 


• Provide shadowing opportunities for team members as needed


• Perform other duties as assigned.


• Uphold the philosophy of the Employment First Initiative