Employment/Accommodation Specialist

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHERN IL•Sterling, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment/Accommodation Specialist (EAS) works to establish meaningful relationships with area employers and serves the needs of the employers and program participants with disabilities in the Sterling, Illinois area. This role is responsible for providing case management services and assisting participants with developing a person-centered job placement plan with input from the participant and their team. The EAS will provide job development and placement services in order for the participant to find a job of choice. The EAS will work to assist the employer and participant with disabilities to create solutions and accommodations to eliminate barriers to employment. The EAS will assist with meeting program goals and outcomes. The EAS works closely with the District Lead to accomplish program goals.

Requirements

A combination of education and relevant work experience that aligns with the duties of this position.
Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with disabilities, understand, and communicate with diverse groups.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Computer literacy; Word, spreadsheets, managing computer files, finding and communicating information, and presentations
Ability to travel to locations within Goodwill’s territory on a regular schedule.
Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.
Must have a current driver’s license and reliable vehicle with insurance coverage
Ability to maintain First Aid and CPR certification
Ability to maintain Office of Inspector General and Rule 50 training.
Complete ACRE training and become a Certified Employment Support Professional by the first year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Exercise strong and sound judgment in working with participants with disabilities
Ability to work with diverse populations
Must be compassionate, reliable, trustworthy, and have the ability to maintain high confidentiality
Ability to work independently and within a team setting
Ability to be adaptable and flexible with participants and company needs
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to effectively communicate the benefits of the Supported Employment and Job Placement Programs to employers and deliver on promises.
Ability to create innovative solutions for business and participants with disabilities
Working with multiple participants with various barriers to employment.

Responsibilities

Establish relationships and maintain close contact with area employers for job development and placement opportunities.
Communicate effectively with collaborating agencies including the Division of Rehabilitation Services (Illinois).
Be responsive to the inquiries and needs of area employers as they relate to program services.
Ensure employer and participants’ needs are met.
Instruct participants in job seeking and job retention skills.
Attend interviews and orientations with participants in the community.
Provide on-going case management services including resource referrals for participants.
Assist the participants with developing, implementing, and monitoring Individual Employment Plans (IPP) by establishing agreed upon goals.
Encourage and attend job fairs and career exploration events with participants.
Serve participants in and around Rock County, WI and Winnebago County, IL.
Meet with Illinois DRS SEP and Wisconsin DVR program participants weekly and assist with finding employment through job development activities.
Create effective solutions and accommodations for individuals with barriers to employment.
Responsible for enforcing program guidelines and following policies.
Maintain participant files in compliance with program requirements and guidelines.
Ensuring all documentation in ETO (case management system) is completed timely.
Maintains high levels of computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, spreadsheets, managing computer files, finding and communicating information, and presentations.
Maintain confidentiality and protect participants’ Personal Identifying Information (PII) as required by law.
Complete ACRE training and become a Certified Employment Support Professional by the first year of employment.