Employment Specialist I - Hornell

Dayforce•Hornell, NY

5d•$20

About The Position

The Employment Specialist assists individuals enrolled in Project Search, Student Internship Experiences, Community Habilitation, Community Prevocational Services, and Supported Employment to prepare for paid employment or unpaid meaningful community activities, including volunteering. The position operates under the immediate supervision of the Associate Director of Vocational Services and has no direct supervisory authority. The role provides person-centered vocational and community support, including teaching workplace and soft skills, supporting individual goals and independence, coordinating activities, advocating for individuals, and working with families, businesses, college personnel, service providers, and community resources. The specialist completes required service, financial, medical, and operational documentation; follows agency regulations and procedures; and supports individuals’ health, safety, privacy, and well-being. The position may involve flexible work locations and hours based on agency needs, including work in a residential setting. It may require use of a private vehicle to transport people supported. Regularly scheduled hours and additional assigned hours, including overtime, nights, and weekends, may be required; the employee may also need to be contacted outside working hours.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or TASC.
Alignment with the agency’s mission, vision, and Code of Ethics.
Demonstrated respectfulness, professionalism, effective teamwork, and empathy, including active listening.
Knowledge of employer expectations, employee behaviors, and the local job market.
Basic Microsoft Office and introductory computer skills; good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to operate office equipment, computers, and medical equipment.
Ability to operate wheelchair vans if applicable at the site.
Ability to work scheduled hours and additional assigned hours, including overtime, nights, and weekends, and to be contacted outside working hours as needed.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume, stressful environment.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, work with general supervision, and handle confidential medical, financial, and personal information discreetly.
For positions requiring driving: valid driver’s license for the state of residence and an acceptable safe driving record.
For positions requiring transportation of individuals served: a motor vehicle with current inspection, registration, and insurance, and enrollment in LENS (Licensed Event Notification System).

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Varied and successful work history in competitive employment settings.
CPR/First Aid/AED instruction and SCIP Certification within the first six months of hire.
Complete 24 hours of Innovations in Employment Support Training within the first year of employment and six hours of continuing education annually thereafter.
Complete Tier 1 or Tier 2 training from the New York Consortium of Advancement in Supported Employment within the first year of employment and six hours of continuing education annually thereafter.

Responsibilities

Follow regulations, agency policies and procedures, documentation requirements, incident management processes, chain of command, and the agency’s Code of Ethics and Core Competencies; maintain confidentiality.
Assist with adherence to the annual budget, manage individuals’ funds accurately, and complete personal allowance and other financial documentation.
Provide services according to individuals’ Life Plans, related service plans, safeguards, and Staff Action Plans, and complete related documentation.
Plan and coordinate daily activities, advocate for individuals, complete assigned assessments and baseline data, and support community integration.
Support individuals’ health and well-being, follow emergency medical procedures and Plans of Nursing Services, and report and document medical concerns to appropriate personnel.
Complete weekly one-on-one meetings with the Rise Project Manager, prepare an agenda, complete one-page profiles, and assist with POMS as applicable.
Support people in reaching vocational goals; teach workplace social skills, stress management, workplace rules, job tasks, and strategies for employment or meaningful community activities.
Develop task analyses and adapt teaching approaches to individual learning styles and business quality specifications.
Support confidence, independence, development of goals, and natural supports in a positive learning environment.
Maintain effective teamwork with staff, families, college personnel, businesses, service providers, and community resources; address customer concerns professionally and promptly.
Maintain program standards, complete daily responsibilities, shift overlaps when applicable, documentation, filing, office maintenance, reports, charge reports, and monthly summaries when assigned.
Assist with identifying and developing services and support opportunities; work independently, solve problems, and manage varied programs and funding sources.
Maintain a safe and clean site, follow fire evacuation plans and infection-control practices, and maintain site vehicles when applicable.
Participate in agency committees, initiatives, projects, and trainings; assist with agency coverage as assigned; maintain certifications and required annual training.
Use a private vehicle to transport people supported when required and remain flexible about work locations and hours, including residential settings as needed.