Employment Specialist II- American Sign Language

*****$1,500.00 sign on bonus. Half to be paid after 6 months of employment and remaining half to be paid at one year of employment****

Starting pay $25.70/hr

The Employment Specialist II is in the Supported Employment division of Didlake's Rehabilitation Services Department. The Employment Specialist II primarily provides Follow-Along Individual Supported Employment services to consumers of Rehabilitation Services at community businesses and Didlake’s commercial and governmental sites located across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. who have achieved "job stability" in their employment and need ongoing support to sustain "job retention". In order to meet a key performance standard for this role, a minimum of 135 hours per month of direct intervention must be rendered.

Externally this position interfaces with employers/supervisors on job sites, Community Services Board Support Coordinators, DARS Counselors, and other professionals in local and state rehabilitation and mental health agencies.

Direct Services

• Conducts routine face-to-face follow-up contacts with employers, supported employment consumers, family members, and support system in order to ensure the consumer is still successful on the job and support with anything needed to maintain stability.
• Provides training and guidance to empower supported employment consumers to be self-advocates and develop strong natural supports on the job.
• Suggests content and in some cases, develops Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and/or Individual Work Plans (IWP) in accordance with Didlake policies and procedures and tracks individual progress as required.
• On an ongoing basis, develops and implements strategies for job retention in accordance with the Individualized Support Plan (ISP).
• Monitors and records progress of supported employees toward established goals/objectives identified in the ISP through on-site observation, consultation with the employer/supervisor and rehabilitation staff members, family members, and natural support systems, and continuous review of progress summaries and assessment data.
• Collects, writes, and maintains data and appropriate documentation in accordance with CARF accreditation standards, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), SSA/Ticket To Work, Didlake policies and procedures and statements of work.
• May provide travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all consumers.
• Assists consumers of service with wage and benefits management to include providing WISA services if endorsed as a WISA.
• Provides crisis intervention and/or on-the-job re-training.
• Implements the use of assistive technologies and identifies environmental modifications needed.
• May be required to assist with the provision of "time-limited/short-term" employment services, as a backup.
• Assists Program Director in coordinating authorizations from funding agencies and secures approval before service implementation
• Routinely maintains contact with rehabilitation counselors and mental health referral sources to request additional authorized hours or change the status of the case.
• Provides information and resources to families, guardians, and/or natural supports as appropriate.
• Ensure Group Supported Employment services are in full compliance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Regulations;
  • In a setting that is integrated into and supports full access to the greater community;
  • Is selected by the individual from a variety of settings options;
  • Ensures individual rights of privacy, dignity, respect, and freedom from coercion and restraint;
  • Optimizes autonomy and independence in making life choices;
  • Facilitates choice regarding services and who provides them.
  • Requires that the person-centered planning process is directed by the individual or individual’s chosen representative;
  • Outlines the minimum requirements for person-centered service plans with individually identified goals and preferences.

Pre-Employment Transition Services

• Supports individuals with disabilities by providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to Students with Disabilities and/or learning an individual’s unique skills and interests to assist them in their path to employment. This could include supporting students with Work Readiness Training (WRT) or Work-based Learning Experiences (WBLE).

Marketing/Public Relations

• Provides disability education and develops natural support with co-workers/supervisors of a supported employee.
• Participates in job fairs and organizes recruitment campaigns on behalf of populations served when directed by PM.
• Conducts employer evaluation surveys with the employer.
• May assist with marketing of employment services with community partners and/or employers when appropriate.

Administrative

• Accurately tracks all billable and unbillable intervention time.
• Submits narrative notes and billing information in a timely manner in accordance with Didlake's accounting procedures.
• Ensures all Didlake consumer database/human resource documentation is completed for each consumer of service according to prescribed deadlines.
• Attends staff meetings with supervisors and departmental staff.
• Completes and maintains all required Didlake training.

Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work.