Employment Specialist

GATEWAY CSB PEO LLC•Savannah, TN

20d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Employment Specialist provides employment support services to individuals receiving behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services. The role conducts vocational assessments, provides job readiness and employment skills training, develops employment opportunities, supports job placement, and assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in the community. The Specialist works with employers, service providers, families, and treatment teams to support successful employment outcomes. The position operates across office, community, business, and supported employment settings. It involves frequent interaction with consumers, employers, and community partners; use of computers, telephones, electronic documentation systems, printers, and other office equipment; and moderate travel between Gateway locations and community employment sites. Work may include indoor and outdoor activities. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and requires a customer-focused, professional approach, accurate documentation, and compliance with agency standards and applicable requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is listed as the education level; qualifying education and experience include one year of experience as a training instructor; or two years as a direct care service provider in a human services delivery setting such as case management, instruction, vocational services, or a related field; or two years as a production supervisor in a business, factory, or work setting; or a bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Behavioral Science, Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge of supported employment principles and vocational rehabilitation practices.
Knowledge of state, federal, and local employment-related regulations and program requirements.
Knowledge of community resources and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and behavioral health needs.
Knowledge of PC-based software applications and office technologies.
Knowledge of vocational assessment and evaluation techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and build positive relationships with consumers, employers, families, and community partners.
Ability to conduct employment assessments and evaluate consumer skills and interests.
Ability to provide individual and group training services.
Ability to negotiate employment opportunities and advocate for consumers.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.
Ability to participate in supervision, staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities.
Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple assignments, work independently, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and complete required documentation on time.
Valid Georgia Driver’s License may be required depending on program assignment.
Must maintain applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training.
Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug testing.
Physical ability to frequently walk, sit, stand, and kneel; occasionally climb, balance, bend, and stoop; frequently lift or move up to 15 pounds; sit for extended periods at a computer; use fine hand-eye coordination; and meet hearing and visual demands. Must be able to travel between Gateway sites and community employment locations.
Must comply with applicable agency policies, safety requirements, conduct and ethics standards, and work-schedule expectations.

Responsibilities

Conduct vocational assessments and evaluate individuals’ job skills, strengths, interests, abilities, and employment readiness.
Assist individuals with career exploration and employment goal development.
Provide job readiness, employability, and job-seeking skills training to individuals and groups.
Assist with applications, resumes, interviewing techniques, and job search activities.
Develop employment opportunities through outreach to community businesses and employers.
Negotiate with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities.
Provide job placement services and coordinate employment supports.
Conduct job analyses to identify essential job functions and workplace accommodations.
Provide onsite job coaching, training, orientation, and employment support services.
Monitor employment stability and provide follow-up services to support employment retention.
Provide counseling, encouragement, and support to help individuals achieve employment goals.
Participate in treatment team meetings, staffing reviews, and interdisciplinary planning.
Collaborate with community agencies, employers, families, and service providers to coordinate services.
Maintain accurate documentation and complete service records and required information in accordance with agency standards.
Maintain current knowledge of supported employment practices, labor market trends, and vocational rehabilitation resources.
Attend required seminars, training sessions, and professional development activities.
Track and report employment outcomes and support community networking and resource development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Report to work as scheduled, follow agency policies and procedures, maintain professional conduct, and keep required licenses, certifications, and training current.
Be prepared to remain at or return to work during agency incidents or emergencies and work non-traditional schedules as necessary to support agency operations.