Employment Specialist III - Project Search

Starting pay $28.00

The Employment Specialist III provides support, assistance, and guidance to individuals with disabilities that will enable the individual to develop skills and enhance their ability to fully engage with their community.  

Project SEARCH and Employment Services Coordination

• Provides face-to-face individualized support for interns at a Project SEARCH host business during three internship rotations in order for the intern to acquire competitive and marketable skills. This could include: Systematic Instruction to teach and break down tasks, building natural supports, developing accommodations, identifying appropriate assistive technology, etc.
• Provides training and guidance to empower Project SEARCH and supported employment consumers to be self-advocate and develop strong natural supports during their Project SEARCH internship and also when they secure employment in the community.
• Works with Project SEARCH business liaison, department managers, and instructor to develop internship sites, complete internship analysis, task lists, and plan for necessary modifications for the internships and competitive jobs
• Works with consumers, employers, families, and other partnering agency personnel to problem-solve issues related to training and employment
• Works with Project SEARCH Instructor to assess student skills and gather baseline data.
• Works with Project SEARCH host business managers and employees to educate on disability awareness
• Reinforces employability skills and assists Project SEARCH intern to understand and interpret work culture
• Completes travel training with the interns to empower independence in their community, while focusing on safety in the community.
• Develops Individual Services Plans (ISPs) and/or short-term service plans (SA, JD, and PT) in accordance with Didlake policies and procedures, and tracks individual progress as required.
• Assists in training interns in the interview process in order for interns to gain both internships and competitive positions
• Collects data, writes and maintains data and appropriate documentation in accordance with CARF accreditation standards, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Department of Medical Assistance (DMAS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), SSA/Ticket to Work, and Didlake policies and procedures and statements of work.
• Independently manages a caseload outside of Project SEARCH, by working various hours to ensure the needs of the caseload are met.
• Coordinates authorizations from funding agencies and secures approval before service implementation.
• Conducts intake of Project SEARCH interns and other supported employment consumers.
• Provides information and resources to families, guardians, and/or natural supports, as appropriate.
• Meets predetermined time for billable activities versus non-billable.
• Conducts in-person situational assessments, job development, placement/training, and follow-along support to individuals with significant disabilities.
  • Situational Assessment: a vocational evaluation conducted by an employment specialist in a real work setting in a commercial or government setting.
  • Job Development: supporting consumers through the process of obtaining employment, including resume writing, application, interviewing, and follow-up with potential employers.
  • Job Placement and Training: Structured, one-to-one support to assist with learning the job and developing natural supports necessary, (e.g., employers, co-workers) to maintain job stability.
  • Follow-along services: Routine and ongoing contact post job placement to assess job performance, employer satisfaction, and levels of training and/or support needed.  Develops and implements strategies for training, instruction, and supervision of consumers.
• Participates in client’s job orientation on-site at commercial or government worksites.
• Provides vocational rehabilitation support to consumers.
• Provides crisis intervention per standard operating procedures.
• Works in conjunction with Didlake’s Contract Operations Managers to fill job openings within Didlake when applicable.
• Ensure Group Supported Employment services are in full compliance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Regulations;
  • In a setting that is integrated into and supports full access to the greater community;
  • Is selected by the individual from a variety of settings options;
  • Ensures individual rights of privacy, dignity, respect, and freedom from coercion and restraint;
  • Optimizes autonomy and independence in making life choices;
  • Facilitates choice regarding services and who provides them.
  • Requires that the person-centered planning process is directed by the individual or individual’s chosen representative;
  • Outlines the minimum requirements for person-centered service plans with individually identified goals and preferences.

Community Outreach/Networking

• Markets Supported Employment Program to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Community Services Board Case Managers, and other funding/referral entities to generate referrals.
• Market Didlake employment services to prospective and current employers.
• Identifies job opportunities within Didlake and with other commercial and governmental industries (Job Development).
• Arranges meetings with hiring authorities of businesses to promote job prospects.
• Arranges job interviews for applicants and recommends accommodations as needed.
• Provides disability education to businesses and coworkers/supervisors of a supported employee.
• May serve as Didlake’s representative at professional association forums, chamber events, and other business associations.
• Participates in job fairs on behalf of populations served.

Administrative

• Accurately tracks all billable and unbillable intervention time.
• Submits narrative notes and billing information in a timely manner in accordance with Didlake’s accounting procedures.
• Submits case documentation at least weekly.
• Attends monthly Project SEARCH team meetings and supported employment staff meetings with supervisors and departmental staff.
• Completes and maintains all required Didlake training.
• Completes and maintains all required Project SEARCH host business training and requirements (immunization records, background checks, etc.)
• Maintain or assist in maintaining Project SEARCH National Database.
• Complete required Project SEARCH milestone reports and any other required documentation for Project SEARCH.

Education:

• BA/BS degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, social work, business, or related field and two (2) years of related experience in employment services and/or supporting individuals with disabilities; or Masters Degree in related field with one (1) year experience; or HS diploma and at least 5 years experience in transition or supported employment services.

Skills and Abilities:

• Complete ongoing training as required by CARF.
• Job Coach certification within 6 months of hire.
• Eligible for QDDP
• Ability to use positive, pro-active behavior management techniques.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer-based case management systems.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a facility security clearance.
• Must be able to complete proper required immunization shots.
• Have a valid driver's license and be insurable under Didlake's automobile policy.
• Be willing to use own vehicle for travel.
• Be deemed eligible for hire by DBHDS and DSS in accordance with the criminal registry background check.