Employment Specialist
Apply NowInglis enables people with disabilities – and those who care for them – to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest.
It is essential that all duties are performed with the highest level of integrity, while supporting Inglis Values and Standards of Excellence, ensuring the achievement of competencies and compliance with regulatory agencies.
The Employment Specialist’s primary responsibilities are (a) assisting individuals with disabilities in attaining and retaining competitive employment opportunities consistent with their vocational goals and within their community through job coaching, career assessments and evaluations, (b) developing community job leads and (c) supporting the launch and service delivery of a new Pre-Employment Transition Services program to students with disabilities ages 14-21.
The Employment Specialist works directly with people with diverse disabilities to assist in:
• Assessing strength, abilities and identifying skills.
• Supporting the development of an individualized training/vocational goal plan.
• Training and preparing for competitive, integrated employment.
• Removing barriers to successful competitive employment through problem-solving, advocacy, and accessing other necessary services/supports.
The Employment Specialist position requires flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of each customer the job site requirements. This may include evening and weekend times.
The Employment Specialist is expected to use person-centered care and strengths-based services approaches when approaching and completing all job responsibilities. In addition, the Employment Specialist is expected to perform the duties of this position by demonstrating professionalism, impeccable customer service skills, and Inglis values.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. The primary duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. There are other duties and responsibilities that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
• Works with supportive employment service recipients to develop an individualized training/vocational goal plan which includes training and other preparatory tasks for competitive, integrated employment.
• Provides job coaching as determined on an individual basis.
• Provides individualized follow-up supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment.
• Assists individuals with removing barriers to successful competitive employment through problem-solving, advocacy, and accessing other necessary supports and services.
• Maintains contact with employers/site managers to ensure job success and address concerns through a collaborative approach aimed towards continued employment success.
• Delivers Pre-Employment Transition Services within local schools for students with disabilities between the ages of 14-21. This includes delivery of: Workplace Readiness Training, Work Based Learning, Job Exploration Counseling and Instruction in Self Advocacy.
• Provides outreach and engagement to community employers and hiring managers to cultivate ongoing relationships and job leads.
• Completes required documents and reports in a timely manner in accordance with program policies, procedures and regulations.
• Assists with Inglis employment contracts by completing training as a Photo License Tech in order to support scheduling and job coaching for these positions as outlined by the requirements of PennDOT.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by program leadership
PERSON CENTERED CARE
• Demonstrates a real sense of inquiry and a personal willingness to learn.
• Demonstrates the ability to take responsible actions within the parameters of the role without a constant need to be directed by others.
• Demonstrates politeness and respectfulness and evidences the self-awareness of the effect of her/his behavior on others.
• Demonstrates mutual respect for diversity.
PEOPLE & TEAM LEADERSHIP
• Demonstrates Inglis people and leadership values and behaviors
• Demonstrates the ability to follow-up on schedules, set priorities and achieve deadlines
• Demonstrates the Inglis Code of Conduct and builds trusted partnerships throughout the Inglis organization.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships by gaining trust and respect.
• Is approachable and easy to talk with; puts forth an extra effort to make people at ease; is patience and builds rapport with customers and is a good listener.
• A team player and has the trust and support of peers.
TECHNOLOGY:
• Actively engages in the use of computer systems and technology to enhance the day-to-day flow of information
• Understands and efficiently uses basic computer hardware such as a mouse, and telecommunication devices
• Understands the use of the internet/intranet applications and file management including file saving, storage and basic data controls
• Responds to emails and calendar requests in a timely manner using Outlook
• Understands IT security, i.e. no sharing of passwords, processes, best practices including email encryption and enlisting help of IT help desk as needed.
• Possesses general knowledge of how to interface with a computer, i.e. use of mouse, resizing windows, etc.
ROLE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Customer Focus Gains insight into customer needs, identified opportunities to benefit the customer. Builds and delivers solutions to meet the customer expectations, establishes and maintains effective customer relationships.
Adaptability- Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change and projects a positive demeanor and shows the ability to manage conflicting priorities without the loss of composure. Can remain calm and productive, even when things are up in the air. Deals constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally to a variety of stakeholders.
Collaboration Skills. Ability to build positive working relationships that influence community members desire to connect with Inglis programs, as well as foster working relationships within the Inglis enterprise leading to effective and efficient task completion.
Research and Strategy. Ability to independently research new contacts and plan strategic and thoughtful engagements.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
In addition to the necessary skills and experience to perform the responsibilities outlined above, there are a number of traits that a successful candidate will possess.
• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma required with at least two (2) years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
OR, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Human Resources and one (1) year working with individuals with disabilities.
• Possess Association of Community Rehabilitation Education (ACRE) certification or willingness to become a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) within 6 months of hire.
• One-year experience in transition and/or providing Pre-Employment Transition Services to students with disabilities, and /or working within an educational setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a mobile setting. This includes strong time management skills and ability to meet expected deadlines for documentation and reporting.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency working with Microsoft Office Software – Excel, Outlook, Word
• Ability to interface and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders related to functions of employment services
• Excellent communication skills including listening, writing, and speaking.
• Strong interpersonal and empathy skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Valid PA driver’s license with clean driving record