Employment Specialist

Working at PAI is not just a job, it's a calling. If you feel called to serve others and help maximize their potential in the work place, the Employment Specialist role is for you! You will work with adults with disabilities secure employment that match their interests and enrich their lives.

This position currently qualifies for a Sign-On Bonus of $1000, so apply soon!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

Engage with the people we serve and provide services that help them explore, find, and keep jobs. Services you will provide include arranging and facilitating the exploration of employment for those interested in it, and developing job goals, job-seeking skills, and identifying potential employers for those who are eager to work. In addition, you will effectively network and market on behalf of the people we serve to community businesses partners within our service area. Hourly wage: $18-21 (depending on qualifications). Includes a $1000 sign-on bonus. Hours per week: 40. Reports to: Director of Employment Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provide person-centered support, coaching, and supervision to individuals that promotes positive experience and growth.
• Assist persons served to learn about and maintain employment based on their individual strengths and conditions for employment.
• Provide on the job coaching and follow-up services. Identify and request reasonable accommodations needed, train the person until they're comfortable working independently, or providing full time 1 on 1 coaching during their entire shift each day if required.
• Read and follow all individualized program and employment plans for each person served. Maintain a working knowledge of individualized plans for assigned individuals and assist in training other staff and ensuring these plans are followed.
• Work to achieve employment related outcomes as determined by the program manager/director.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with potential employers, existing business partners, hiring managers, and other PAI staff. Maintain expectations for productivity and quality. Establish rapport and positive relationships with the people you serve while maintaining and modeling professional boundaries. Develop community connections.
• Model positive behaviors, build relationships, value diversity, manage disagreements with compassion and act with integrity.
• Maintain a high level of flexibility, understanding, independence, and communication. Demonstrate effective time-management and task prioritization skills. Persevere and persist despite obstacles. Advocate for the individual being served.
• Present new ideas for creative employment service options.
• Uphold all protection and service-related rights, including respecting and maintaining individual privacy. Follow data privacy laws and HIPPA requirements.
• Demonstrate professional written and verbal communication. Promptly document related service information and ensure this is consistently and correctly done for assigned individuals.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and contribute ideas.
• Complete required trainings.
• Demonstrate competency in appropriate safety and medication administration policies and adhere to recommended transfer/lifting procedures and body mechanics.
• Utilize adaptive equipment in an effective and safe manner.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, and Credentials

Required

1. High school degree or G.E.D. and be 18 years of age or older.
2. Pass DHS background study and maintain clearance to provide direct contact services without continuous supervision.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills as well as proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
4. Reliable transportation for work driving purposes, valid driver's license, proof of valid car insurance, satisfy insurance criteria for driving history and permit driving record checks as needed.
5. Hours of work are typically daytime, Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekend work is rare unless a person you're serving gets an evening or weekend job and requires support.
6. Requirements to drive a personal vehicle: reliable transportation for work driving purposes, valid driver's license, and proof of valid car insurance.

Desired:

• At least 4 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders.
• Meet Designated Coordinator requirements per MN Statute 245D:
  • a baccalaureate degree in a field related to human services 1 year of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older;
  • an associate degree in a field related to human services, and 2 years of FT work experience
  • providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older;
  • a diploma in a field related to human services from an accredited postsecondary institution and 3 years of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; or
  • minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities 4 years of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older under the supervision of a staff person who meets one of the qualifications in a-c above.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Service Field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Certification as an employment specialist from an industry-recognized agency including:
  • The Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)
  • The National Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)
  • The Direct Support Professional Specialist in Employment Support credential (DSP-S-ES)

Salary : $18 - $21