Employment Specialist - CDS

Envision Unlimited•Chicago, IL

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist will perform functions to develop competitive employment placements for adult and high school students with developmental/other disabilities. This role is responsible for establishing business relationships with employers to facilitate and secure employment for members. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Valid high School diploma; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum of one year work experience in rehabilitation, job placement, or related field.
Proven job placement experience preferred.
Must have the ability to travel per the needs of the department including use of personal vehicle and department vehicles.
Current/valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
QIDP qualification preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Proven job placement experience
QIDP qualification

Responsibilities

Develop competitive, community employment opportunities based on member career goals and choices.
Establish (6) six, new, in person employer contacts weekly via in person, face to face employer visits.
Establish Additional Weekly Employer Contacts through telephone calls, mailings, meetings, networking, and other job development activities.
Maintain knowledge of resources and services available to potential employers and members.
Participate in pre-employment meetings and advise staff and members of the job market as it relates to their employment goal.
Maintain employer files for the department.
Meet or exceed department goals and outcomes based on contractual obligations with funding sources including but not limited to DRS.
Participate in training in the Individual Placements and Supports (IPS) employment model.
Implement the IPS employment model.
Become proficient in the use of Quantum/other required computer program.
Complete QIDP responsibilities for a Job Placement caseload.
Successfully complete all required training for certification as Direct Support Professional (DSP).
Responsible for agency vehicle operation and transporting work crews.
Participate in regular staffing reviews and follow through with recommendations.
Respond to medical and behavioral emergencies following appropriate health & safety, crisis prevention, first aid, CPR, accident/incident reporting and other procedures, as necessary.
Attend mandated training within prescribed time periods and attend other in-services, as requested.
Support clients in self-advocacy activities.
Support clients in attaining their stated community vocational interests, at times, against the wishes of client family and support teams.
Transport and Supervise Mobile Crew, including transport and on site management.
Lead all client job retention support activities to ensure clients achieve a minimum of 90 Days of Employment.
Provide bimonthly on-site visits to all 36U funded clients who are working.
Ensure that all paperwork is completed and submitted to the ISC to secure 36U funding when an Envision client completes the 90 day milestone of the DRS Milestones contract (Initial Validation).
Achieve minimum of 2 community job placements monthly.
Complete/submit all annual Revalidation paperwork.
Represent the agency at community and business functions.
Communicate employer complaints/issues to the proper supervisory staff.
Attend staff, job development, marketing, and other assigned committee meetings.
Conduct mock interviews for members.
Transport members to interviews when necessary.
Assist with employment on-boarding, including ensuring appropriate dress, grooming, etc.
Perform other related duties as assigned.