Employment Specialist I

Sherwood Community Services; Lake Stevens (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherwood Community Services is seeking an Employment Specialist I to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in community employment.

This full-time role collaborates with Case Resource Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, clients, prospective employers and community programs to ensure strong, natural work supports and smooth transitions to employment and community settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree preferred.
• One year’s experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strong professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Engage participants and family in intake, discovery, and job matching.
• Develop Career Path Plans with SMART goals and coordinate with employers.
• Provide feedback on grooming, interview skills, and job performance.
• Conduct on-site job training and workplace support with employers.
• Support employers to integrate the employee into normal workflow.
• Maintain communication with participants, support networks, and agencies.
• Identify and remove barriers to employability and assist with environmental adaptations.
• Track hours, documentation, and HIPAA/compliance requirements.
• Create schedules and coordinate with case managers and therapists.

Skills

Professionalism

Time management

Confidentiality

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

Sherwood Community Services

Employment Specialist I

Full Time

Hiring Range: $26.20 - $30.13

Salary Range: $26.20 - $34.06 Hourly, non-exempt

The Employment Specialist 1supports Sherwood’s mission by assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in community paid employment/relationship building that is consistent with their goals. The position is responsible for facilitating good working relationships between Case Resource Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, the client, prospective employers and community programs to ensure strong, natural work support and a smooth transition to employment/ community settings. Will provide follow-along services for participants working in community, jobs and work at job sites to help train both the participant and the employer on effective communication techniques, overcoming barriers to successful job performance, assessing the workplace for safety, and developing natural supports in the workplace.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage participants and family in the Intake process, Discovery of job seekers skills and support needs, the CBA process to collaborate in creating a good job match for the participant and connect to other community resources as appropriate.
• Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods and strategies to achieve those goals. Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships
• Provide feedback to participant regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis and training.
• Provide on-site job training and support to participants at the workplace regarding job duties, policies, and procedures in collaboration with the employer. Provide travel training if job seeker requires assistance in transportation.
• Provide support and training to employers to facilitate a reduction in the need for paid support and the integration of the supported employee into the regular work routine of the business. Troubleshoot issues and concerns that arise at the job site and work with the employer and participant to maintain a positive and successful working relationship.
• Maintain excellent communication with the participant, their circle of support, the referring agency, and other involved parties such as residential providers, regarding progress on and outcomes of employment plan.
• Provide environmental analysis; Assist employers to identify, modify and/or eliminate architectural, procedural and attitudinal barriers to better accommodate the employability needs of supported employees.
• Secure job performance feedback from employer and make appropriate adjustments to the individual’s employment service plan to enhance job performance.
• Assure authorizations are kept current and notify counselor/caseworker if any changes are needed in the Career Path Plan.
• Electronically submit all client case notes/reports, mileage and hours worked within 24 hours.
• Identify and participate in community functions, training opportunities, seminars, and training sessions for program participants.
• Responsible for maintenance of case records for 10-12 clients and files following all HIPPA guidelines and agency procedures.
• Create and maintain an up-to-date schedule using Outlook Calendar accounting for all hours worked and tracking client service hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education- An approved track in receiving their high school diploma or the equivalent- associate’s degree preferred.
2. Experience- One year’s experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Other required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of professionalism in appearance, actions, communication and business casual dress attire
• Time management in arriving to work on time, providing clients with maximized hours, completing daily paperwork, reports, and submitting timesheet and mileage
• Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality in written and oral communication
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificate
• Ability to multitask and prioritize client services and job duties while maintaining flexibility in your schedule
• Effective oral and written skills for case notes, reports, facilitating, meetings, and marketing
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Outlook)
• Positive attitude and ability to be a team player
• Ability to remain accountable while working independently