Employment Specialist
Special Skills: Training/Vocational/Psychology/Coaching/Human Resources/Career
Knowledge of employer expectations, hiring practices, job readiness, job seeking and retention skills
Knowledge of careers, educational programs and
Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred
Qualifications:
One-three years (depending on degree) of social services, social work, behavioral health, human resources, career counseling, or residential services experience required. Associate’s degree in social services or bachelor’s degree in any field preferred. Current students pursuing a degree in social services will be considered.
Proficient with Microsoft Office. Exceptional organizational and time management skills. Experience working in vocational, career counseling, social work or rehabilitation setting is a plus. Willingness to work with ex-offenders and people with disabilities including physical, emotional, sensory, and cognitive disabilities required.
Other Requirements (within one month of hire):
High School Diploma
Fingerprint Clearance (submitted upon hire)
Central Registry Background Investigation
Criminal Affidavit Clearance (notarized)
TB test, First Aid and CPR Certification
Duties and Responsibilities
The Employment Specialist responsibilities are to provide the following services to individuals with disabilities including:
- Rehabilitation Instructional Services - Social and independent living skills, bus training, adjustment to disability counseling, time management, stress management and accommodations
- Behavioral training, modeling, and coaching
- Support with training practices
- Job readiness training
- Documenting daily feedback forms, timesheets, and case notes
- Develop and maintain employer relationships
- Schedule flexibility and reliable attendance is a must
A. Promote mental health recovery through recovery-oriented philosophies and services
B. Provide social rehabilitation services and pre-employment services as needed to engage consumers and encourage involvement in vocational services.
C. Develop, implement, and maintain employment norms for consumers including but not limited to job skills training, career retention and advancement services.
D. Provide job-coaching services within the current structure established by Employer/Counselor.
E. Develop Individual tactics to assist in consumer success.
F. Develop opportunities through direct contact with employers.
G. Conduct job-coaching skills training individually or in workshops.
H. Educate employer community on various disabilities, making recommendations for job accommodations when appropriate.
I. Provide job-coaching support services, which may include time after normal business hours on the weekends as needed.
J. Assist consumers with maintaining a professional working relationship.
K. Timely completion of daily case notes and progress reports to reporting counselor. Maintain documentation and reporting requirements on each encounter with consumers for weekly reporting purposes.
L. Advocate on behalf of consumers and develop partnerships with the community, including employers and referral sources.
M. Assist consumers with assessing behaviors and interactions with all parties at employer sites.
N. Understanding and acknowledgment of employment expectations.
O. Assist consumers with understanding disclosure of disability and/or felony convictions and the Americans with Disability Act.
P. Develop expert knowledge of social media, career resources, and trends in the Phoenix job market
Q. Attend networking events and community functions to promote Focus and its clients
R. Effectively and consistently communicate with onsite employment counselors and team to streamline consumer success.