Employment Specialist

Qualifications: High School/GED diploma required. 0-2 year's relevant experience. Must be able to interact well with team members, business representatives and with people receiving services. NYS driver's license is mandatory and must be insurable under New Hope's insurance regulations (see Human Resources Office for specifics). Flexibility in schedules along with assigned tasks and functions is essential.

Reports to: Senior Employment Specialist

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for learning and utilizing the SEMP Employment Specialist Training Curriculum.
• Responsible for learning structured intervention techniques to assist the employee to learn to perform job tasks to the employer's specifications and to learn the interpersonal skills necessary for employment.
• Responsible for assessing employment sites in order to effectively train worker with disabilities.
• Responsible for all skills training, both onsite/offsite, of all individuals.
• Responsible for providing the following employment specialist skill training; Advocacy, task analysis, developing necessary job accommodations, teaching appropriate work behaviors and interpersonal skills, job assessments, reinforce travel training and other services needed to maintain employment.
• Responsible for evaluating participant progress in supported employment, document that progress and develop a training plan to address any job related issues.
• Transport supported workers to and from the job site as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining all written documentation pertinent to maintaining an individual in supported employment including case notes, monthly reports and ACCES-VR reports.
• Implement plans, as directed, to support career and employment interests and goals of the individual.
• Completion of Tier 1- ACCES-VR Employment Services Delivery within 24 months of employment start date.
• Completion of 24 hours of OPWDD's Innovations in Employment Supports Trainings within 12 months of being hired.

Additional Functions:

• Provide oversight and follow along services such as counseling, problem solving, etc., as may be required to secure and support employment and facilitate adjustment.
• Participate in and attend all in-service training programs as scheduled.
• Maintain New Hope Community driver's certification and be responsible for all vehicles and vehicle tracking systems necessary to the transportation of individuals to supported work sites.
• Adhere to principles set forth by the Council of Quality and Leadership.
• Carry out any other responsibilities deemed necessary to the supervisor.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Occasional sitting, pushing, pulling, squatting and bending.
• Occasional need to lift up to 50 lbs independently and up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Occasional need for physical intervention.
• Potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Frequent driving.
• Occasional computer work.

The hourly rate for this position is $17.00.