Employment Specialist I

L.I.F.E., INC•Baltimore, MD

118d•$18 - $19

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Meaningful Day Program, the Employment Specialist procures, coordinates, and oversees meaningful day services and supported employment placements for individuals funded by DDA and DORS. The role develops community-based jobs and contract work for Meaningful Day Services, secures volunteer opportunities and Community Based Apprenticeship Job Readiness opportunities, and builds business relationships that expand competitive, inclusive employment options. The specialist works with businesses aligned with participants’ employment interests to foster safe, positive workplaces and ongoing partnerships, monitors employment trends and industries, and provides support to participants and partners to help sustain employment success in the community. The position also develops marketing strategies, supports case management processes, collaborates with the Meaningful Day team on participant assessment and employment preparation, coordinates referrals and services, and completes reports and other assigned documentation. It may include teaching or coordinating employment and academic preparation classes. The role reports directly to the Assistant Director, Meaningful Day Program.

Requirements

A BA/BS in vocational rehabilitation, social work, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Ability to maintain positive, professional interactions with a diverse team, including job seekers with disabilities, family members, DORS counselors, Resource Coordinators, and other relevant agencies.
Ability to communicate effectively with corporate, industry, and human services professionals, individuals, families, and community partners.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community partners.
Computer proficiency, including MS Office and other software used by L.I.F.E. Inc.
Knowledge and skills in supported employment, including identifying and negotiating jobs, integrating individuals into jobs, job coaching, and employer advocacy.
Ability to collaborate with employers and teams to support participants, adapt work environments, and provide job retention supports.
Ability to work autonomously with creativity, initiative, and commitment.
Ability to prioritize tasks by importance and deadline and adjust priorities as situations change.
Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record with no more than two points; the record must remain at two points or less during employment with L.I.F.E. Inc.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel between work sites as needed.
Valid and adequate automobile insurance and willingness to transport individuals in the employee’s own vehicle when needed for job opportunities and coaching.
Successful completion of drug and criminal background checks.
Completion of CPR and first aid, infection control, MANDT, ICM/LTSS, and ACRE training within three months of hire, along with other required training and maintenance of certifications.
Flexibility, punctuality, and availability to work weekends and evenings if needed.
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, concentrate, process information, and manage multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, or a related field is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Network in the community, search for jobs, and market meaningful day services and supported employment to acquire placements and work opportunities for individuals funded by DDA and DORS.
Build and maintain positive relationships with community businesses and potential employers, acting as a liaison between industry personnel and L.I.F.E. Inc. staff.
Ensure quality control and customer satisfaction throughout job development and placement.
Assist with interviews and orientation.
Maintain communication with the Meaningful Day Services Supervisor, Intake/Referral Specialist, and outside partner agencies.
Develop marketing strategies to promote employment opportunities at both Meaningful Day Program locations and increase community awareness of programs and participants.
Develop and implement processes and procedures that support effective case management and successful employment outcomes.
Collaborate with the Meaningful Day team to support participant assessment, preparation, job searches, and the supports needed to obtain or sustain employment.
Submit timely reports, progress notes, data collection, and other assigned paperwork.
Coordinate with staff and agencies on referrals, evaluations, and admissions to programs and services supporting active job development.
Teach or coordinate employment and academic preparation classes as needed.
Develop community-based jobs, contract work, volunteer opportunities, and Community Based Apprenticeship Job Readiness opportunities leading to competitive employment.
Partner with businesses in participants’ desired employment fields to help create safe, positive work environments and continuing business partnerships.
Monitor employment trends and industries that may lead to integrated employment.
Provide employment support to participants and partners as needed to help achieve and maintain community employment goals.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as needed.
Follow L.I.F.E. Inc. policies and procedures and applicable COMAR, DDA, and DORS regulations.