Employment Specialist

VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with the Employment & Residential Services Supervisor to help adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders learn, accommodate, and perform their work duties. The Employment Specialist will help job seekers develop both specific job tasks and interpersonal skills that are necessary in the workplace. This is a temporary position for approximately 4 months with potential to move into a full time position with benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency required
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekends for Employment Services
Valid driver’s license required
Access to approved personal vehicle for transporting individuals to and from employment as needed

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders or providing employment services is preferred

Responsibilities

Provides employment opportunities to job seekers
Coordinates schedules and transportation for the individuals served
Assesses the individual’s skills, abilities, and requirements of specific employment situations for the purpose of matching each individual to a job of interest
Assists job seekers with the application and interview process and coordinates arrangements for job placement
Develops employment readiness skills with the job seeker
Supports individuals in competitive employment using systematic instructional techniques, compensatory strategies, job adaptation/modification, and positive reinforcement strategies
Monitors and evaluates work performance by collecting skill acquisition and production data
Solicits feedback from job seekers, employers, and coworkers and provides additional training or intervention as needed.
Collaborates with the employer and coworkers to develop natural supports in the work environment to increase the individual’s independence
Implements behavior support plans as needed
Safely transports individuals in the community as needed
Assists with evening and weekend shifts or events as needed (e.g., employment shifts, SPARK Night, etc.)
Writes detailed progress notes as required and submits requests for authorizations on time
Prepares written reports in the appropriate format for the referral source on a monthly, quarterly, or as-needed basis in a timely manner
Assists supervisor in developing individual service plan (ISP) goals for each client and ensures that each individual is actively engaged in making progress towards ISP outcomes
Maintains required documentation for each client
Participates in annual planning meetings with clients, caregivers and support coordinators
Regularly communicates with all individuals, guardians, and stakeholders to foster positive relationships and high satisfaction with program communication.
Responds to all individual, guardian, and stakeholder communications in a timely manner (e.g. return phone calls, respond to emails)
Communicates with employers at local businesses to develop employment opportunities for specific individuals
Collaborates with Work Incentives Specialist Advocate (WISA) on benefit coordination as needed
Participates in team meetings on a regular basis
Arrives on time for work
Shows flexibility to change
Has a positive attitude towards adult participants and staff
Adheres to safety protocols
Makes prudent use of General Leave time
Assists with special projects and assignments as requested
Takes on additional responsibilities when work is complete
Assists in keeping common spaces clean and organized
Accepts feedback and constructive criticism
Adheres to the mission, vision, and values of VIA
Assists with intakes
Observes and learns to provide other supported employment services such as situational assessments, job-site training, and follow-along
Participates in annual planning meetings, SIS assessments, DARS meetings