Employment Specialist I

Sherwood Community Services; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherwood Community Services is seeking an Employment Specialist 1 in Oak Harbor, WA to support individuals with disabilities in achieving community employment. The role includes developing individualized career plans, fostering relationships with employers, and providing ongoing job coaching. Candidates should have a high school diploma, experience with developmental disabilities, and strong communication skills. This position involves both client interaction and administrative tasks, ensuring a smooth transition for participants in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have current CPR and First Aid Certificate.
• Must pass DSHS criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Engage participants in the Intake process and job seeker skills discovery.
• Develop individualized Career Path Plans with SMART goals.
• Provide on-site job training and support to participants.
• Maintain communication with participants and support teams.
• Submit client case notes and reports within 24 hours.

Skills

Professionalism

Time management

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Oral and written communication

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

iPad

Job description

The Employment Specialist 1 supports 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities
• 1. 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.
• 2. Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods and strategies to achieve those goals.
• Create video resumes
• Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships
• 5. Provide feedback to participant regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis and training.
• 6. 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.
• 7. 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.
• 10. 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 HIPAA 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

• Education
• An approved track in receiving their high school diploma or the equivalent - associate’s degree preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to pass DSHS criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license, with reliable transportation with insurance coverage sufficient to cover potential liability, the ability to drive to numerous appointments/sites each workday. An acceptable three-year motor vehicle report and the continuous retention of an acceptable three-year motor vehicle report.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer with basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Phone
• iPad
• May be required to use equipment in client workplace for training purposes

MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Effort

• Ability to read, write, and use a computer according to agency policies.
• Organization and daily planning.
• Travel and traffic.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, at times exceeding 4 hours of time or more.
• Candidate must be comfortable with intermittent driving, responsibilities which may involve up to 4 hours of travel in a single day.
• Must be able to walk up to 4 hours per workday.
• Periodic and extended periods of time sitting.
• Must be able to lift to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Indoors, outdoors exposure to heat/cold inclement weather.
• Ability to concentrate in noisy or distracting environments.
• Frequent driving, up to 45 minutes each way.