Employment Specialist

Description

Full-Time, Non-Union, Non-Exempt Position

$17.94 per hour, 40 hours per week

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

BASIC FUNCTION OF EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST: 

To provide job search assistance services to individuals with disabilities. Includes facilitation of training and developing relationships with local employers for job placement opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST: 

• Develop and adhere to identified C-CARES plans and relate them to employment opportunities
• Implement plan designed by C-CARES Director for structured work sites for the purpose of work exploratory and evaluation, provide on site job coaching, and permanent employment options for consumer
• Engage in consumer activities which are identified through official CRP (Community Rehabilitation Provider) referral form from C-CARES Director
• Facilitate individual or small group workshops regarding job search, resume preparation, interviewing techniques or areas as prescribed by contract with funding source and/or C-CARES Director.
• Develop working relationships with employers to foster job coaching and working evaluation
• Monitor consumer independent structured job search on a bi-weekly basis
• Maintain  relationships with local Community College, Adult Education, and Chamber of Commerce to provide quality on the job training and employment opportunities
• Maintain job search/placement records in agency software system
• Prepare reports and conducts other coordinator related services as required
• Other duties as assigned
• Provide services on a flexible work basis that may include evenings or weekends
• Valid CT driver’s license, working automobile that is insured

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS OF EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST: 

Education:

AS in Human Services/Special Education or related field, BA preferred. May consider similar combination of education and work experience.

Experience:

2 – 4 years experience working with adults with physical/developmental disabilities. Case management experience preferred. Must also have access to a privately maintained and properly insured vehicle, and be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends as needed.

Job Skills:

• Knowledge of employment resources  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must enjoy working with people and have high level interpersonal skills 
• Critical and creative thinking skills
• Customer service, organizational and problem-solving skills  
• Ability to engage employment partners 
• Recordkeeping and computer skills   
• Ability to work with diverse populations 

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disability

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 27 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance and Weatherization
• AIDS / HIV Prevention
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Employment Education and Training
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services