Supported Employment Specialist

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Supported Employment Specialist to help individuals with disabilities locate and maintain competitive, integrated employment. The role involves meeting with local businesses to develop partnerships that promote inclusive hiring practices and provide direct services on job sites to support independence.

The position requires flexibility to work evenings, nights, and weekends as schedules demand, and it emphasizes building connections in the Richmond

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings, nights, weekends.
• Above average verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build community partnerships.
• Professional conduct with diverse populations.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have a valid driver''s license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with disabilities in locating and maintaining competitive, integrated employment.
• Develop relationships with businesses to promote employment of people with disabilities.
• Provide direct services and supports to individuals on job sites to promote independence.

Skills

Disabilities experience

Non-traditional hours

Communication skills

Community partnerships

Professional conduct

Confidentiality

Computer proficiency

Valid driver's license

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Advertising Summary:

The Rehabilitation Research andTraining Center at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking aSupported Employment Specialist to join its team. The SupportedEmployment Specialist will assist individuals with disabilities inlocating and maintaining competitive, integratedemployment.Qualified applicants will meet with businesses todevelop relationships and partnerships that encourage the promotionof employment of people with disabilities.

Supported Employment Specialists provide direct services andsupports to individuals on job sites, with the goal of assistingthe employee with a disability in achieving independence in theiremployment. Services and supports are individualized, and will, at times, be required to work on evenings, nights, and weekends toaccommodate consumers’ schedules. This position is a field positionand requires an organized self-starter who enjoys makingconnections in their community. Business Connections servesRichmond and the surrounding areas. Candidates may be required tocover 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 VirginiaCommonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center(RRTC) provides resources for professionals, individuals withdisabilities, and their representatives. Our team of nationally andinternationally renowned researchers is committed to developing andadvancing evidence-based practices to improve the lives ofindividuals 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 ofrespect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty,staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or acommitment to do so as a staff member at VCU;
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals withdisabilities;
• Employment Specialists often adjust schedules to meet employer andclient 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 maintainconfidentiality;
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• A valid driver's license and vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in areas ofcommunity, 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: HannahLenhart

Contact Email: [e-mail]