EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - ACCES-VR

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga; Town of Owego (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

403b retirement plan

Generous time off

Comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for growth

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga is hiring for a Full-Time Vocational Specialist to provide job coaching and supported employment services for ACCES-VR participants. You will work with employers to place individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health needs, coordinate transportation, and advocate for client outcomes.

The role emphasizes collaboration, ethical practice, and commitment to dignity and inclusion in the workplace. A valid NY driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with 1 year of vocational setting experience or an Associate degree with 5 years in a vocational setting.
• Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Teach clients to manage job skills and requirements with supports, including assistive tech.
• Build a support network connecting client, co-workers, supervisors and employers.
• Advocate for clients with community employers and educate about benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
• Assist clients with daily transportation to and from work and orientate to company procedures.
• Communicate progress to employers, family and support staff; provide follow-up per guidelines.
• Identify natural workplace supports and mediate differences with coworkers or employers.

Skills

Job coaching

Advocacy

Employer relations

Transportation support

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

Associates degree + 5 years experience

Job description

Description

We are Hiring!

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga’s Mission is to support all people in need and advocate for social justice and human dignity. We envision a just and compassionate community rooted in love and the dignity of all people. Our objectives are to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable people and to challenge conditions causing poverty and despair.

We serve people regardless of their religion, beliefs, race, or ethnicity. We support all people in need, no matter how they identify. We want our staff to represent the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Be yourself, because everyone else is already taken!

If you're looking for more than just a job, if you're passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others, join a team that changes lives every day. Be a part of something truly special.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Full Time 35 hours a week

Salary: $22.00-$24.00 An hour based on experience

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with 1 year of experience in a vocational setting.

OR

Associates degree with 5 years’ experience in a vocational setting.

Credentials:

Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle

General Description:

Provide vocational services to persons enrolled in ACCES-VR. Work with employers to help develop job position for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and/or experiencing mental health issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client/Program – Job Coaching/Advising:

• Teach clients to manage independent job skills and requirements utilizing job task analysis and job specific supports, including assistive technology.
• Build a support network which integrates the client, their co-workers, and their supervisors.
• Advocate for clients with community employers.
• Educate community employers to the financial and ethical benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
• Work a flexible schedule, based on the needs of the individuals served.
• Assist clients in arranging daily transportation to and from their home and job site.
• Orientate the client to the company’s standard operating procedures and business culture.
• Communicate client’s progress to the employer and support people, including family, support staff and other professionals as needed.
• Provide comprehensive in person follow along services per ACCES-VR guidelines.
• Advocate to ensure consistent service delivery which connects work, home, social, recreational, and personal needs related to vocational success.
• Identify natural supports in the workplace that the client can use for job support, transportation, and social connections.
• Determine what the job duties are and put them into format that the client best understands (e.g. a map of the area, a list of duties, a description).
• Mediate any differences with co-workers or employer if necessary and help client to develop skills and confidence to resolve their own difficulties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Client/Program – Job Developing/Marketing:

• Maintain knowledge about the job openings in all sectors and
• Access all sources providing information about job openings.
• Demonstrate to potential employers the effectiveness and profitability of employing individuals with disabilities by identifying jobs that workers could perform.
• Teach the client to manage independent job skills and requirements, utilizing job task analysis and job specific supports, including assistive technology.
• Build a support network which integrates the client, the co-workers, and the supervisors.
• Advocate for clients with community employers.
• Educate community employers to the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

#INSJ

Requirements

Additional Qualifications:

• Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding and knowledge of ACCES and ADA.
• Knowledge of employer expectations and local job market.
• Experience working with individuals with DD and or individuals in recovery from a mental health condition.
• Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all records reviewed including consumer records, employee records and billing records.
• Ability to work in the following software programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms as required by funders and partner organizations
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
• Continuous use of a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
• Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.
• Provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy and other communication needs.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance:

Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.

Join us and help make a positive impact on our community!

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet