Employment Specialist - Opwdd

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Job Posting: EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Location: Broome County
Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: $20.00 an hour

General Description:

Provide vocational services to persons enrolled in waiver services. Development and implementation of the various employment services offered through OPWDD. Support and coach staff on required documentation and training through OPWDD.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides direct services and support to individuals receiving Pre-Vocational Services, Employment Training Program (ETP), Supported Employment including intensive and follow-along services as indicated in each person’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Employment Plan(s). (Direct Services include but not limited to training on and off site, covering social skills, communication skills, travel training, assisting with transportation, personal care, and other areas necessary to enhance individual’s ability to live and work independently in the community)
• Provides timely reports on individuals’ progress through daily documentation and other means as needed or requested
• Learns the eVero database system for recordkeeping
• Knows the service plan and safeguards for each individual served
• Provides skill training-assistance by learning specific work duties and performance standards for jobs service recipients obtain (e.g., doing the task)
• Develops work-related behaviors in service recipients such as time and attendance, dress, communication skills, accepting supervision and travel skills
• Assists individuals with job development in the community. (Job development includes but not limited to situational assessments, observations, site tours, job shadows in order to assist the individual with identifying what type of job the individual is best suited for and interested in)
• Acts as liaison between individual, family, employer, co-workers of individuals, and other providers to ensure individuals are receiving the appropriate services
• Communicates with supervisors on how to best work with newly placed individuals
• Assists the individual acquiring a sense of belonging at the work site, encourage an understanding of and a participation in employee programs, which involves socialization with coworkers
• Facilitates the development of positive relationships between individuals and their employers and co- workers
• Follows and maintains days and hours of services as assigned, providing safe transportation as needed
• Provides outreach to community about the services offered and provided by Catholic Charities
• Attends training and other meetings as required
• Conducts self in a manner as to always contribute to maximum individual growth and in accordance with all regulations and agency policy and procedures
• Attends required trainings through OPWDD and Catholic Charities
• Attends staff meetings and other Catholic Charities functions
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and one year of experience in rehabilitation placement or related field, and enrollment in a specialized course approved by ACCES-VR; OR Bachelor’s Degree, enrollment in a specialized course, and enrollment in a Master’s Degree program in vocational rehabilitation counselor or evaluation or related areas; OR A combination of education and experience which, in the judgement of ACCES-VP, is sustainably equivalent to the standards of this subdivision.

Credentials: Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle (if required). Relevant years of experience and education will be considered

Additional Qualifications:

• Effective communication and organizational skills required.
• Flexibility with assignments and schedule required.
• Ability to work independently in individual’s homes and community settings with sound decision making and judgement.
• Is a Team player.
• Ability to assist a person with vocational support needs, such as breaking down tasks in manageable pieces, modeling the task, redirection, assisting with reasonable accommodations, and facilitating a relationship with the employer and coworkers.
• Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCDR’s corporate compliance and ethics program.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all records reviewed including client records, employee records and billing records.
• Possess a valid NYS Drivers’ License and a driver’s record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
• Continuous use of a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
• Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific abilities required by this job include; Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment, including motor vehicle. Stand, sit, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach. Climb up or down stairs. Able to reach above or below shoulders. Occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 10 lbs. Sitting at a desk or in a vehicle for long periods of time to perform certain job functions. Be able to read, write, and interpret written documents.