Community Employment Specialist

The Arc Montgomery County•Derwood, MD

13h•$56,651 - $59,519•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking qualified and motivated professionals to join our award-winning team. Under the supervision of the Director of Employment & Meaningful Day Services (E&MD), the Community Employment Specialist is responsible for the procurement and/or development of employment opportunities for people supported, with an emphasis on customized employment. This position will work in conjunction with other employment staff to ensure the smooth start-up of new sites and ongoing support of existing sites. For a limited time, all new hires are eligible for benchmark incentive payments totaling up to $1000.00.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus 3 years of relevant professional experience; or Associate’s degree in a relevant field plus 5 years of relevant professional experience; or high school diploma plus 7 years of relevant professional experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must have the ability to transport the people supported in personal or agency vehicle.
Must be available to work outside of regular business hours with advance notice.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.
Must have an ACRE certification or the ability to obtain ACRE certification within the first 6 months of employment.
Must be able to effectively communicate in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

Promote and foster the strategic plan through workforce development activities.
Explain the concept of inclusion to employment/volunteer contacts.
Facilitate inclusive work/volunteer environments for people supported.
Act as the primary liaison to the E&MD management team regarding the status/progress of workforce development activities.
Work cooperatively with Team Coordinators regarding employment opportunities and identification of people supported.
Keep Team Coordinators, Assistant Directors and Division Director informed of progress at new and existing sites.
Utilize discovery and customized employment strategies to create career plans for an identified group of people supported.
Procure and develop contract and direct hire positions for groups and individuals.
Oversee the start-up of community-based paid and volunteer enclaves/mobile crews.
Ensure efficient and effective completion of the scope of work during the start-up period.
Ensure smooth transition of authority to the Team Coordinator and Job Coach and/or Direct Support Professional.
Follow up with the employer to ensure satisfactory performance.
Responsible for cost analysis and proposal preparation in the contract development and negotiation process.
Determine costs associated with the salaries of people supported, materials/equipment and transportation.
Develop proposals for potential employers.
Develop contracts/agreements once proposals have been accepted.
Assist with the transition of group employment workers to competitive individual employment.
Responsible for public relations/communications with community and business organizations and individuals concerning E&MD employment services.
Participate in local and state-wide committees, task force, chamber events.
Develop partnerships with businesses and programs to facilitate employment.
Participate in internal agency committees (i.e., Crew Development).
Follow agency established communication policies and procedures and consult with the Senior Manager for Communications as appropriate.
Stay current with all labor laws and employer incentives pertaining to workers with disabilities.
Complete DORS documentation, as needed, including but not limited to applications and progress reports.
Other duties as assigned.