Pre-Employment Specialist (Job Coach)

JOB SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing support and instructional training for individuals with intellectual disabilities in skills required to prepare for competitive employment, as well as developing adaptations of the job and/or environment. This position provides support for both the trainee and employer. This is a full-time, Monday through Friday (daytime) position with some work performed in a remote (virtual) environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to Arc Core Values of Respect, Empowerment, and Collaboration
• Prepare and submit documentation paperwork according to established timeframes and guidelines
• Network throughout the business community and maintaining beneficial contacts
• Communicate in a professional manner both verbally and in written form to all parties including the individuals, family, co-workers, supervisors, employers, and various funders
• Provide specific one on one supports which will increase the individual's overall success in gaining skills for employment in an area of their choice
• Maintain a balance of billable and non-billable time at 85% or higher throughout the fiscal year
• Manage a caseload of up to 5-8 individuals
• Manage relationships that include individuals supported, families, co-workers, employers, and funders
• Demonstrate and support all St. Louis Arc Diversity and Inclusion practices/initiatives

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Preferred Education:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Some college and related experience required

• Other Requirements:
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Current auto insurance & Class E License or equivalent
  • Additional agency online & class based training

• Minimum Years of Experience:
  • Two to three years of related experience supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the recruiting practices
• Understanding of individuals supported needs
• Time management and deadline orientated skills
• Knowledge of employment law
• Knowledge of industry and employment sectors including pay and benefits
• Ability to make immediate sound decisions in order to ensure the safety of each person supported
• Ability to negotiate with all partners in the field to ensure quality supports are provided
• Ability to provide supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment
• Assess support needs of individuals in work place of their choice
• Effective, professional communication skills
• Ability to analyze work culture on an ongoing basis and identify and capitalize on existing natural supports
• Ability to network throughout the business community and maintain contacts
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to navigate word processing software, database products, email, and smart phones

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Walking up to eight hours per shift
• Standing up to eight hours per shift
• Lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor to shoulders
• Travel up to 50% of the time in St. Louis Metro area to various work locations
• Work Environment varies based on individuals supported, but includes varied community job sites as well as an office setting or remote (i.e. home office) setting
• Equipment used includes personal vehicle in good working condition as well as computer, smart phone, and additional equipment depending on needs of individuals supported