Employment Specialist

Position Summary: Employment Specialist will assist individuals to successfully acquire and sustain gainful employment, with the goal of eventually working independently. Employment Specialist will provide the support necessary to facilitate employment success for individual with disabilities.  Employment Specialist will provide assistance and support with both on and off job site activities needed to promote career exploration, work readiness skills, job discovery, job development, and job retention.  Employment Specialist will work with local businesses and Employment Program Coordinator to facilitate paid and unpaid work experiences for individuals. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Work in conjunction with the Assistant Director to review program goals and individual goals Attend all assigned trainings including NYS CASE trainings, OPWDD Innovations trainings and OPWDD annual required trainings Complete pre-employment and employment assessments with individuals Complete all required OPWDD and ACCES VR reports Meet with potential businesses and community- based work sites to further expand Springbrook’s Business partner network Act as a liaison between employers, individuals, businesses, families and other support staff Provide support and services including but not limited to, job discovery, job training, job mentoring, and professional skills development in an individualized and/or group setting Maintain communication with work sites during all phases of the employment process Complete documentation, case notes, reports and billing for both ACCES VR and OPWDD within the allotted time frame Provide transportation with individual to assessment and work site if needed Present a professional image to the business community at all times Communicate with Assistant Director regarding any concerns Attend departmental meetings and monthly 1:1 supervision meetings on an ongoing basis Attend semi-annual and annual Life Plan meetings and team meetings as assigned Has knowledge of all employment services programs provided by Springbrook Assist in writing employment services plans Must be able to work varied hours to meet the needs of the individuals on caseload Follow all Springbrook Policies and Procedures Perform other work related duties as assigned by supervisor Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements: Minimum: High school diploma with 5 years experience working with individuals with disabilities. Preferred: Associates or Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years experience working with persons with disabilities and/or an equivalent combination of training and experience Knowledge of ACCES VR and OPWDD regulations, policies and procedures preferred. Duties require professional verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software and e-mail applications, especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word; have the aptitude to learn other computer software as necessary. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs. Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required. Maintain a valid driver’s license and have a reliable access to transportation.