Supported Employment Specialist

VCU School of Education; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Employee discounts

Well-being resources

Job summary

VCU School of Education seeks a Supported Employment Specialist to assist individuals with disabilities in locating and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in the Richmond area.

The role involves meeting with local businesses to build partnerships, providing direct on-site supports, and coordinating internship-to-employment projects. Expect non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends; 40-hour work week; fully onsite.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build community partnerships.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with disabilities in locating and maintaining employment.
• Meet with businesses to develop partnerships.
• Provide direct services and supports at job sites.
• Cover internship-to-employment projects in multiple areas.

Skills

Disability services

Community partnerships

Flexible schedule

Communication skills

Non-traditional hours

Driver's license

MS Office

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Advertising Summary: The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to join its team. The Supported Employment Specialist will assist individuals with disabilities in locating and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. Qualified applicants will meet with businesses to develop relationships and partnerships that encourage the promotion of employment of people with disabilities.

Supported Employment Specialists provide direct services and supports to individuals on job sites, with the goal of assisting the employee with a disability in achieving independence in their employment. Services and supports are individualized, and will, at times, be required to work on evenings, nights, and weekends to accommodate consumers’ schedules. This position is a field position and requires an organized self-starter who enjoys making connections in their community. Business Connections serves Richmond and the surrounding areas. Candidates may be required to cover internship-to-employment projects in Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hampton, Petersburg, or Newport News.

Unit:

School Of Education MBU

Department:

SOE Spec Ed and DP RRTC

Department Summary:

Established in 1983, the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) provides resources for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. Our team of nationally and internationally renowned researchers is committed to developing and advancing evidence-based practices to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

The chief purpose of this position is to assist individuals with significant disabilities in locating and maintaining competitive, integrated employment.

The Supported Employment Specialist will assist individuals with disabilities in locating and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. Qualified applicants will meet with businesses to develop relationships and partnerships that encourage the promotion of employment of people with disabilities. The Supported Employment Specialist will provide direct services and supports to individuals on job sites, with the goal of assisting the employee with a disability in achieving independence in their employment.

Services and supports are individualized, and will, at times, be required to work on evenings, nights, and weekends to accommodate consumers’ schedules. This position is a field position and requires an organized self-starter who enjoys making connections in their community. Business Connections serves Richmond and the surrounding areas. Candidates may be required to cover internship-to-employment projects in Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hampton, Petersburg, or Newport News.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU;
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities;
• Employment Specialists often adjust schedules to meet employer and client needs, therefore the ability to work non-traditional hours, including weekends, holidays, nights is required;
• Above average verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to build community partnerships;
• Proven ability to carry out job duties in a professional manner, with a positive outlook and approach;
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• A valid driver's license and vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in areas of community, integrated, and competitive employment;
• Familiarity with Virginia businesses and community resources.

Salary Range: $53,000-$55,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 21211Y - Counselor HS 1

Contact Information

Contact Name: Hannah Lenhart

Contact Email: [e-mail]