Employment Specialist III – Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Starting pay is $ plus eligibility for incentive pay!

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 specifically through employment.

The Employment Specialist III (ES3) generates referrals from state Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and local Community Services Board Case Managers situated throughout Virginia and develops job opportunities at commercial and governmental sites located across the Loudoun area. The Employment Specialist III primarily provides short-term, individualized employment services (Situational Assessment, Job Development, and Placement/Training) for the purpose of securing stable employment for people with significant disabilities. ES3s may also provide Follow Along services to support consumers’ long-term employment goals, however, the ES3 may transfer responsibilities related to long-term employment support (follow-along) services to an ES2, when appropriate. Looking to target applicants from Loudoun County.

Direct Service

• 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, (, 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.
• Creates and maintains all required planning and documentation for providing direct service.
• Monitors and records the progress of consumers toward established goals/objectives identified in the planning phases of service through assessment, in-person support, on-site observation, consultation with the employer/supervisor and rehabilitation staff members, family members, and natural support systems, and continuous review of progress summaries and assessment data.
• Provides training and guidance to empower supported employment consumers to be self-advocates and develop strong natural support on the job.
• Provides travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all consumers.
• Coordinates transportation resources, as necessary, which may include providing transportation for consumers during Assessment and Job Development, as well as potentially in Job Placement only when necessary.
• Conducts job orientation on-site at commercial or government worksites.
• Provides rehabilitation training and employment support to consumers of service.
• Provides crisis intervention.
• Implements the use of assistive technologies and identifies environmental modifications needed.
• Independently manages their direct services caseload, by working varied hours to ensure the needs of the consumers are met.
• Coordinates authorizations from funding agencies and secures approval before service implementation.
• Conducts intake of applicants.
• Routinely maintains contact with rehabilitative counselors and other referral sources to communicate progress and case progression as well as to request additional authorizations or change the status of the case.
• 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.
• Provides information and resources to families, guardians, and/or natural supports, as appropriate.
• Coordinates the use of assistive technology and environmental modifications.
• 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.

Pre-Employment Transition Services

• Supports individuals with disabilities by providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to Students with Disabilities and/or learning an individual’s unique skills and interests to assist them in their path to employment. This could include supporting students with Work Readiness Training (WRT) or Work-based Learning Experiences (WBLE).

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.
• Ensures all Didlake, accreditation and regulatory consumer documentation is completed on time for each consumer of service.
• Submits accurate billing information/reports in a timely manner according to and in accordance with Didlake’s accounting procedures.
• Maintains regular communication with their assigned Program Manager of attendance, services being rendered, and caseload management needs.
• Attends staff meetings with supervisors and departmental staff.
• Completes and maintains all required Didlake training.

Marketing/Public Relations

• Markets Supported Employment Program to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Community Services Board Case Managers, and other funding/referral entities to generate referrals.
• Conducts market analyses to identify employment options for consumers of services.
• Makes presentations to prospective employers and companies.
• Arranges meetings with hiring authorities of businesses to promote job prospects.
• Arranges job interviews for applicants and recommend accommodations as needed.
• Provides disability education to businesses and coworkers/supervisors of the supported employee.
• Identifies job opportunities within Didlake and other commercial and governmental industries (Job Development).
• May serve as Didlake’s representative at professional association forums, chamber events, and other business associations.
• Participates in job fairs when appropriate.
• Participates in materials development for public relations and marketing efforts.
• Conducts employer evaluation surveys with the employer.

Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• 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 HS diploma and at least 5 years experience in transition or supported employment services.
• Experience with person-centered planning and providing individualized training and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities and/or individuals requiring support in residential or employment settings.

Skills and Abilities:

• Time management skills are necessary to independently manage a caseload of up to 40 consumers.
• Marketing/public relations skills in order to effectively model and advocate for employment consumers.
• Continued professional development in the areas of career counseling, positive behavior supports, autism, systematic instruction, and assistive technology.
• Complete ongoing training as required by CARF.
• Eligible for QDDP.
• The use of positive, proactive behavior management techniques.
• Experience with marketing/public relations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer-based case management systems.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a facility security clearance and SSA suitability.
• Must be able to use personal vehicle for travel. This position is eligible for mileage reimbursement.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable under Didlake's automobile policy. Requirements include but are not limited to being at least 21 years old and having at least 3 years of driving experience.
• Be deemed eligible for hire by DBHDS and DSS in accordance with the criminal registry background check and Child Registry Background check.