Employment Specialist / Project SEARCH

The Employment Specialist provides daily scheduled direct support and training to individuals with disabilities to maintain their employment in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) 

• Provide transition programing to students in a workplace setting. 
• Works closely with the teachers and students to develop career plans and action plans for site training 
• Creates and establishes professional, relationships with business liaison and employees of the site business 
• Writes weekly reports and completes detailed logs of progress to defined benchmarks. 
• Provide on-going follow-along services to ensure employment outcomes continue to be met for both employee and employer.
• Provides realistic workplace expectations to students and holds them accountable for their workplace behaviors. 
• Practices continuous improvement in training strategies, accommodations, customized employment, and program delivery. 
• Delivers end to end client support, both to host sites, interns/clients, families, and schools. 
• Facilitates intern rotations, including identifying and creating/supporting any reasonable accommodations or trainings needed for interns. 
• Routine contact with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Medicaid Waiver clients at their job and home. Includes driving to various locations.
• Conducts assessments of the client’s employment needs and provide solutions and strategies to improve and seek enhancement opportunities for the employed client.
• Using person centered planning, develops and implements Employment Stability Plans.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:  

• Strong office and productivity software
• Strong time management and prioritization
• Ability to follow directions communicated synchronously (in person or over digital communications) and asynchrony (posted notices, emails, etc.)
• Ability to communicate both in person and digitally or in writing. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and adapt to feedback
• Ability to provide feedback to others in a constructive and positive way.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to take responsibility for challenges encountered by oneself and others. 
• Entrepreneurial and agile spirit
• Leadership, and the ability to provide guidance and support to others without direct supervisory authority. 
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required. 
• Must have a personal vehicle in good working order, that can pass inspection by an ASE certified mechanic and meet all other safety standards as required. Must maintain auto liability insurance at the $100,000 per person, $300,000 aggregate level. 
• Experience working with Salesforce or a comparable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is highly preferred. 
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a plus.

CATHOLIC FAITH:

• Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant combination of education/experience required. Major in Education, Rehabilitative Service, or Business preferred. 
• 3+ Years of related experience in a non-profit environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to lift to 50 pounds, stand, walk, talk, feel, sit, grasp, hear, and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.