Employment Specialist

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Colorado is seeking an Employment Specialist who will assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to obtain and retain competitive employment. The role involves providing on-the-job support and advocacy to ensure participants thrive in their job roles while collaborating closely with employers to create inclusive work environments.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of developmental disabilities in Colorado.
• Ability to work effectively with various technologies.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching and training to individuals with IDD.
• Maintain relationships with participants and employers.
• Conduct site assessments for safety and inclusion.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Problem-solving skills

Job coaching

Education

High school diploma

ACRE Supported Employment training

Job description

Purpose of Position- Assists individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in maintaining competitive integrated employment. The Employment Specialist will support participants in learning a job, on-the-job training, and throughout employment. They work directly with program participants to support them with on-the-job tasks, communication skills, social skills, self-advocacy, soft skills and achieving long-term goals. This includes developing strong relationships with participants, their families, funders, and employers. Employment Specialists may also support group job skills and employment classes.

30 to 40 hours per week.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals with IDD, families, advocates, DVR counselors and employers.
• Travels to participant’s job sites regularly to provide job coaching which involves providing instruction, training, and ongoing support.
• Conduct assessment of employment sites for safety and accessibility. Based on assessment, works with other Imagine! teams, participants, co-workers and employers to support in creating an inclusive environment.
• Stays in regular communication with employers/supervisors, educates employers/supervisors on working with the I/DD population, advocates for participants' rights and support needs.
• Attends IP, IDT, DVR, and other meetings.
• Encourages and teaches self-advocacy skills and maintains positive employer-employee relations by assuring understanding.
• Provides participants with travel training and/or assistance with public transportation.
• Makes sound decisions through observing and providing problem solving skills to participants in all employment situations.
• Maintains accurate and up to date documentation and Job Coach Plans.
• Works collaboratively with Employment team and others to create and implement supports and create consistency across all employment members.
• Collaborates with Employment Specialists to problem solve, execute plans, provide feedback, and offer solutions to ensure participants’ needs are met. Works collaboratively with client teams to identify opportunities for additional positions at current job sites and in the community.
• Assumes full responsibility for a caseload of participants, including prioritizing participant needs, documenting all services in Setworks, responding to participant requests, and completing reports required by DVR.
• Completes required paperwork in a timely and organized manner.
• Manages existing employer relationships and follow through on established leads.
• May assist with developing, presenting, and maintaining employment classes for individuals with IDD.
• Models safe work practices through the utilization of site-specific and company safety procedures.
• Communicates effectively with co-workers, client teams, and Employment Supervisor regarding pertinent issues, progress and updates. Consults with managers to create efficiencies and improve work procedures.
• Participates in the execution of our Employment Services mission to educate, advocate and support adults with I/DD to become self-sufficient, successful members of the community.
• Represents Imagine! Employment Services in an appropriate and effective manner in the community.

Other Duties/Responsibilities
• Establishes a strong mentorship with participants by providing quality support, listening and understanding.
• Covers other Employment Specialists’ shifts as needed.
• Provides customer service and support to business partners.
• Mentors new staff as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• General knowledge of the developmental disabilities system in Colorado.
• Basic knowledge of standards and regulations regarding Supported Employment and/or Day Habilitation.
• Demonstrated skill in working with adults with developmental disabilities in a community and site setting.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
• Ability to provide effective training to individuals and groups.
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet-based databases, assistive technology, etc.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education:

• High school diploma required.
• ACRE Supported Employment training required within 90 days of hire.

Experience:

• One year experience working with people with developmental disabilities preferred.
• One year experience providing job coaching services preferred.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• This job requires standing and walking for up to 6 hours per day.
• Ability to drive a large van with wheelchair lift.
• Activities take place at client job sites in the community.
• Requires ability to: Walk and push wheelchairs; support with restroom needs; bend to strap chairs into vehicles; fold and lift wheelchairs; carry supplies.
• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a fast paced and changing environment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

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