Employment Specialist Transitional Services

Making Opportunity Count Inc•Fitchburg, MA

9h•$25 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

MOC's mission is to empower families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. To alleviate poverty, we deliver a variety of services including childcare, education, workforce development, nutrition, health, and community and housing support. The Employment Specialist provides pre-employment transition services to students and young adults with disabilities, ages 14 through 21. The position delivers individual and group instruction in job exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, postsecondary education and training pathways, and work-based learning. The Youth Employment Specialist also develops relationships with schools, employers, and community partners to create meaningful career-exploration and work-based learning opportunities. Services are provided in person and virtually and are generally scheduled outside regular school hours, including afternoons, evenings, school vacation weeks, and summer programming.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in workforce training & development, social services, or business
Experience working with people with barriers to employment, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred
The ability to work as an effective team player is essential
Experience with MS Teams
Bilingual a plus
Must be eligible to work in the United States

Responsibilities

Deliver classroom-based, virtual, and community-based pre-employment transition services to students and young adults with disabilities, ages 14 through 21.
Facilitate structured curriculum, workshops, career camps, and individual or group training sessions focused on: Job exploration and career awareness, Workplace readiness and employability skills, Self-advocacy and self-determination, Postsecondary education and training opportunities, Work-based learning experiences.
Plan and facilitate Youth Career Camps and other extended training programs, which may include providing classroom instruction for up to five hours per day.
Adapt instructional approaches and materials to meet participants’ individual learning styles, abilities, communication needs, and employment goals.
Help participants identify their interests, strengths, support needs, career goals, and potential education or training pathways.
Assist participants with developing practical employment skills, including resume preparation, interviewing, job-search techniques, workplace communication, professional behavior, time management, and requesting workplace accommodations.
Develop and maintain relationships with schools, employers, community organizations, workforce partners, and other referral sources serving young people with disabilities.
Identify and coordinate work-based learning opportunities, including workplace tours, job shadowing, informational interviews, internships, and other career-exploration experiences.
Collaborate with school personnel, families, referral partners, employers, and other members of a participant’s support team, as appropriate and consistent with confidentiality requirements.
Provide services in schools, MOC locations, community settings, employer locations, and virtual environments.
Use Microsoft Teams and other technology platforms to facilitate virtual instruction, communicate with participants and partners, and complete required administrative responsibilities.
Maintain timely, complete, and accurate participant records, attendance information, case notes, service documentation, outcome data, and other program records in accordance with contractual, funding, and organizational requirements.
Monitor participant progress, document services and outcomes, and communicate concerns or needed adjustments to appropriate program leadership and referral partners.
Conduct outreach and follow-up with participants who miss services or appear to disengage from the program.
Protect participant confidentiality and comply with applicable MOC policies, program standards, and funder requirements.
Participate in program planning, curriculum development, staff meetings, training, quality-assurance activities, and continuous program improvement.
Maintain a flexible schedule to provide services outside the traditional workday, including afternoons, evenings, school vacation weeks, and summer programming.