Employment Specialist I

Sherwood Community Services•Lake Stevens, WA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Sherwood Community Services is seeking an Employment Specialist I to support its mission by assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in community paid employment and relationship building that is consistent with their goals. This role facilitates strong working relationships between Case Resource Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, clients, prospective employers, and community programs to ensure robust natural work support and a smooth transition to employment or community settings. The position involves providing follow-along services for participants working in the community, including on-site job training and support to both the participant and the employer. This includes training on effective communication, overcoming barriers, assessing workplace safety, and developing natural supports. The Employment Specialist will also assist employers in identifying and modifying barriers to accommodate employability needs.

Requirements

An approved track in receiving their high school diploma or the equivalent
One year’s experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
High level of professionalism in appearance, actions, communication and business casual dress attire.
Time management in arriving to work on time, providing clients with maximized hours, completing daily paperwork, reports, and submitting timesheet and mileage.
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality in written and oral communication.
Current CPR and First Aid Certificate.
Ability to multitask and prioritize client services and job duties while maintaining flexibility in your schedule.
Effective oral and written skills for case notes, reports, facilitating, meetings, and marketing.
Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Outlook).
Positive attitude and ability to be a team player.
Ability to remain accountable while working independently.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage participants and family in the Intake process, Discovery of job seekers skills and support needs, and the CBA process to collaborate in creating a good job match for the participant and connect to other community resources as appropriate.
Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods, and strategies to achieve those goals.
Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships.
Provide feedback to participant regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations, and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis, and training.
Provide on-site job training and support to participants at the workplace regarding job duties, policies, and procedures in collaboration with the employer.
Provide travel training if job seeker requires assistance in transportation.
Provide support and training to employers to facilitate a reduction in the need for paid support and the integration of the supported employee into the regular work routine of the business.
Troubleshoot issues and concerns that arise at the job site and work with the employer and participant to maintain a positive and successful working relationship.
Maintain excellent communication with the participant, their circle of support, the referring agency, and other involved parties such as residential providers, regarding progress on and outcomes of employment plan.
Provide environmental analysis; Assist employers to identify, modify, and/or eliminate architectural, procedural, and attitudinal barriers to better accommodate the employability needs of supported employees.
Secure job performance feedback from employer and make appropriate adjustments to the individual’s employment service plan to enhance job performance.
Assure authorizations are kept current and notify counselor/caseworker if any changes are needed in the Career Path Plan.
Electronically submit all client case notes/reports, mileage, and hours worked within 24 hours.
Identify and participate in community functions, training opportunities, seminars, and training sessions for program participants.
Responsible for maintenance of case records for 10-12 clients and files following all HIPPA guidelines and agency procedures.
Create and maintain an up-to-date schedule using Outlook Calendar accounting for all hours worked and tracking client service hours.
Other duties as assigned.