Placement Specialist

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals? At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Placement Specialist in our Community Services Program. The Placement Specialist is responsible for conducting vocational assessments, assisting with job development, facilitating vocationally focused peer groups, and acting as a job coach once employment is obtained for DeafBlind consumers.

Salary : $30.7408 / hour.

35 hour regular work week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. :

• Contacts and consults with potential employers regarding the development of substantial jobs for qualified deaf / blind workers in collaboration with the Employment Training Specialists and National Business Relations Specialist.
• Supports consumers with developing a resume, cover letter, and skills needed to apply for jobs both online and in person.
• Obtains employment interviews and assists consumers at the interview, if needed.
• Provides vocational counseling and information to consumers as to work skills and appropriate work behaviors.
• Facilitates and conducts Work Readiness and Soft Skills training classes for small groups of consumers or one on one in conjunction with the Employment Training Specialists and Case Manager.
• Provides systematic instruction for the trainee to learn the job skills at the work site.
• Makes job modifications when necessary to allow DeafBlind consumers to perform job successfully.
• Provides training to consumers and employer partners in communication strategies on the job.
• Assists consumers with self-advocacy regarding their responsibilities and opportunities at the work site including but not limited to identifying and requesting reasonable accommodations.
• Provides in-service training to potential employers, co-workers, and support service providers in regard to the consumers’ skills, potential, and support needs. Such training can be applied to competitive or supported employment situations.
• Provides follow-up services for the employer and consumer in order to achieve a long-term and successful placement.
• Works collaboratively with a transdisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals to ensure that consumers receive all necessary training and supports for success in their vocational and personal goals.

Required : Extensive local travel throughout Long Island, New York City, and lower Westchester. Meeting all job duties and responsibilities may require use of personal vehicle.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including :

HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.