EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc.; Jacksonville (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc. is seeking an Employment Specialist to secure diverse employment opportunities for the people it supports in Jacksonville and nearby areas. The role connects with employers, builds partnerships, and promotes the benefits of employing people with disabilities.

You will liaise with Job Coaches to ensure smooth transitions from placement to active work, monitor engagement, and report program success metrics. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• One or more years’ experience programming for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and other physical/mental challenges preferred.
• One or more years’ experience in marketing or sales preferred.
• Must meet Direct Support Professional (DSP) requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Explores community integrated employment opportunities in Jacksonville and surrounding area.
• Develops relationships with community members and local businesses to obtain employment for people supported.
• Educates employers about benefits and opportunities of employing people with disabilities.
• Establishes Pathway as a vendor for products created by people supported.
• Inspects state procurement opportunities for State Use contracts.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

DSP certification

Communication skills

S-TOFHLA

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

The role of the Employment Specialist is to secure a variety of employment opportunities for the people supported. This includes both contractual/micro-business opportunities, as well as community-integrated employment. This position reports directly to the Vocational Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).

Responsibilities and Duties

• Explores community integrated employment opportunities in Jacksonville and the surrounding area for people supported.
• Develops relationships and partnerships with community members and local businesses in order to obtain employment for people supported.
• Educates employers, community members and local businesses about the benefits and opportunities available to them by employing people with disabilities.
• Works with employers, community members and local businesses in establishing Pathway as a potential vendor for sale of products created and manufactured by people supported.
• Regularly inspects the state procurement website for possible State Use contract opportunities for people supported.
• Works directly with the Job Coach and Job Trainer in ensuring a smooth transition from securing a paid work opportunity to actively working at a job site.
• Monitors market trends, measures partnership engagement and reports on program success metrics.
• Serves as the main point of contact for employers should issues arise with the employment of a person supported or further training is required.
• Responsible to employers, community members and local businesses as the liaison for all employment opportunities.
• Maintains all product and sales certifications.
• Attends community service group meetings, Chamber of Commerce and local events in order to obtain employment or connect with potential employers or retailers.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build professional relationships with community members and employers.
• Actively promotes Pathway Services, the Supported Employment Program, the people supported by Pathway and the products they produce in the Jacksonville area and surrounding communities.
• Maintains proper driver eligibility, background clearance, and required DSP Certification.
• May be required to assist during emergency situations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Must have verifiable documentation of education. High school diploma or equivalency. One or more years’ experience programming for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and other physical and mental challenges preferred. One or more years’ experience in marketing or sales preferred. Must meet the requirements of Direct Support Person (DSP). Must have a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

This position required great verbal and written communication skills. Successful completion of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) test, testing ability to read. Ability to prioritize responsibilities. Ability to interact and communicate with individuals supported by our Agency, employees, parents/guardians, community members, State/Federal staff members, and other supervisory/management personnel. Able to appropriately utilize available computer programs and systems required.

Must be able to complete all physical requirements of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation. Successful completion of Essential Functioning Test verifying ability to lift at least seventy-five (75) pounds. May have flexible varied schedule with nights and/or weekends required.

Job Type: Full-time, Salaried

Pay: $47,600 – $49,300 per year, based on education and experience