Employment Support Specialist

Employment Support Specialist

Location: Schenectady, NY
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Coordinator of Employment Services
Physical Requirements: Walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting, ability to push/pull heavy loads, ability to lift 50lbs.
Hours of Work: Full Time, 37.5 hours a week. Some travel required, must be willing to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends).
Pay Range: The pay range is $18.25-$26.63


Job Summary:
This position supports people with disabilities in preparing for the workforce through education, training, and job readiness preparation. The employment specialist will work closely with businesses and community partners to help identify qualified candidates for various positions.

Job Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. A minimum of two years of experience in providing services to persons who have disabling conditions (experience in in vocational rehabilitation preferred).
3. Valid driver's license w/ no drug or alcohol related violations, excessive accidents or excessive points.
4. Ability to read, write and speak the English language required, ability to read, write and speak the Spanish language preferred.
5. History working in various competitive employment settings.
6. Knowledge of the local job market.
7. Ability to communicate effectively and present both one on one and in group settings.

Major Responsibilities:
The overall duties center around providing person-centered employment planning and support services that provide assistance for an individual to prepare for, obtain, maintain, or advance in competitive employment.

1. Participate in community events such as open houses, grand openings and job fairs as requested.
2. Collaborate with local schools, employers, funders and other community partners to develop relationships and navigate work experiences and supports for individuals supported.
3. Participate in ongoing training and staff development activities associated with provisions employment services.
4. Develop job leads and work experience opportunities for individuals supported.
5. Assure that job placement matches the skill set, interest & abilities of individuals.
6. Communicate and coordinate amongst co-workers and team members to identify job placement opportunities for all individuals receiving services.
7. Conduct pre-employment services including but not limited to youth transition, interview preparation, benefits navigation, travel training, development of natural supports and referral for other services.
8. Job coach individuals at the job site at the intensity and frequency that is needed by the consumer.
9. Communicate employer expectations of performance and employee behaviors.
10. Promote on the job training for individuals to learn or develop skills essential to their job.
11. Foster opportunities to educate and engage employers to understand and utilize tax incentives, work try-outs, on the job training and accommodations.
12. Complete all necessary paperwork for pre-employment, placement, intensive & extended services.
13. Meet milestones goals and performance indicators for pre-employment, placement, and retention services.
14. Provide person centered individual support in all areas of supported employment reflective of individual's personal outcomes and goals.
15. Conduct periodic reassessment and alteration of strategies, as appropriate to the person's needs.
16. Advocacy with other service providers, the person's natural supports and employers to promote adjustment and employment retention.
17. Attend ISP meetings/reviews and other review meetings for individuals on caseload.
18. Coordinate services in the community for each individual as need dictates.
19. Maintain up-to-date and accurate case records for each consumer on caseload (progress notes, implementation plans, ISP updates and other as prescribed by policies and procedures.
20. Assure services provided uphold quality, integrity and compliance.
21. Perform other duties and trainings as assigned.

Disclaimer - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Liberty reserves the right at its sole discretion to amend its policies, programs and/or guidelines, including the contents of this job description, at any time without prior notice. A candidate's rate of pay is based upon a consideration of several factors which may vary based upon the position. These factors may include education, prior work experience, licenses, certifications and labor markets. In addition to your pay, Liberty cares about you and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Liberty offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.