EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - ACCES-VR

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA•City of Binghamton, NY

1h•$22 - $24

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, seeks an Employment Specialist to provide vocational services to people enrolled in ACCES-VR. The role works with employers to develop job positions for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues. The agency serves people regardless of religion, beliefs, race, ethnicity, or identity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The specialist coaches and advises clients on job skills, workplace expectations, and job-specific supports, including assistive technology. The position also builds support networks among clients, coworkers, supervisors, families, and other professionals; advocates with employers; and provides in-person follow-along services in accordance with ACCES-VR guidelines. The specialist identifies job openings and works with employers to identify roles that workers with disabilities can perform. This is a full-time position scheduled for 35 hours per week. The salary is $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience. The work schedule is flexible based on the needs of the individuals served. The work environment is usually quiet, and the position involves frequent sitting, talking, hearing, standing, walking, typing, and/or light lifting. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and one year of experience in a vocational setting, or an associate degree and five years of experience in a vocational setting.
Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Understanding and knowledge of ACCES and the ADA.
Knowledge of employer expectations and the local job market.
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or individuals in recovery from a mental health condition.
Demonstrate ethical business practices in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize duties.
Willingness to foster agency, department, and program-wide cooperation and teamwork through positive, constructive communication.
Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of consumer, employee, and billing records.
Ability to use Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms required by funders and partner organizations.
Ability to analyze and interpret data.
Valid New York State driver's license, with a driving record acceptable to the agency and its insurance carrier.
Continuous use of a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
Commitment to the agency mission.
Ability to provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful services responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and other communication needs.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent sitting, talking, hearing, standing, walking, typing, and/or light lifting; close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus are also required, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Teach clients to manage independent job skills and requirements using job task analysis and job-specific supports, including assistive technology.
Build support networks that integrate clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
Advocate for clients with community employers and educate employers about the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
Work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the individuals served.
Assist clients in arranging daily transportation between home and job sites.
Orient clients to employers’ standard operating procedures and business culture.
Communicate client progress to employers and support people, including family, support staff, and other professionals as needed.
Provide comprehensive in-person follow-along services in accordance with ACCES-VR guidelines.
Advocate for consistent service delivery connecting work with home, social, recreational, and personal needs related to vocational success.
Identify natural workplace supports for job assistance, transportation, and social connections.
Determine job duties and present them in a format the client can best understand.
Mediate differences with coworkers or employers when necessary and help clients develop the skills and confidence to resolve difficulties.
Maintain knowledge of job openings across sectors and access sources of job-opening information.
Demonstrate to potential employers the effectiveness and profitability of employing individuals with disabilities by identifying jobs they could perform.
Perform other duties as assigned and follow appropriate supervisory direction.