Employment Specialist- North Side

Achieving True Self•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•$17 - $21•Hybrid

About The Position

Achieving True Self (ATS) is seeking dedicated Employment Specialists to join their growing team. This role involves providing job-readiness and vocational coaching services to prepare clients for sustainable career opportunities and assist them in obtaining competitive integrated employment. The specialist will implement established processes and utilize program-specific resources to support adults and transition-age students with Autism/neurodivergent needs and other disabilities in various workplace settings. Key duties include identifying client abilities and interests, coaching on workplace skills, modeling social interactions, redirecting behaviors, preparing clients for following instructions, interpreting environmental cues, identifying sensory needs, and discussing accommodations. Additionally, the role involves supporting the workplace by coaching coworkers, consulting with client managers, and collaborating with other paid supports related to employment. ATS is looking for candidates in the North Side area who are available part-time with the potential to transition to full-time. Flexibility in availability is crucial to match client schedules, including a minimum of 2-3 evenings per week and flexibility on weekends.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
A valid Pennsylvania driver's license with proof of car insurance, Pennsylvania vehicle registration, and a good driving record.
ACRE certification required within 6 months of employment.
FBI Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History (Act 33) and PA Criminal History (Act 34) clearances are required by the Office of Developmental Programs.
Valid CPR certification upon hire. If CPR is not valid upon hire, CPR training will be provided.
Ability to use iPad and/or other tablet devices for documentation.
General knowledge of computer systems, including Windows and Google products.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Works directly with individuals or teams of adults and/or students on the Autism Spectrum or with other various disabilities to prepare for and assist with obtaining employment that aligns with the individual’s interests, skills and abilities.
Provides timely communication to clients and schedules services and meetings in accordance with established program timelines.
Completes all program documentation as assigned, including but not limited to Supported Employment Support Plans, Community Based Work Assessments, Developmental Reports, Monthly Progress Reports for worksite activities, Individual Work Plans, etc.
Provides direct training, support, and coaching for program clients in a variety of settings.
Conducts task analyses and breaks down tasks into manageable steps for program clients.
Supports and models effective workplace communications, task completion, and problem solving with clients.
Consult with management and coworkers to adapt and best support the client in the workplace. The goal is to educate on the unique needs and strengths of your clients.
Leads Paid Work Experience (PWE) sessions for clients or experiential job try-outs based on their individual needs and available workplace experiences.
Facilitates and participates in job shadow opportunities for individuals as authorized.
Manages time and appointments to ensure consistent and effective service delivery in accordance with program timelines.
Communicates with program leadership regarding employer outreach needs and opportunities.
Directly communicates with employers to explore opportunities for program clients and share worksite based needs.
Complete all necessary documentation associated with hours billed. You will be required to collect clinical data, compile and collect results, and complete reports based off of data collected.
Maintain eligibility for direct services through participation in essential training programs and supervision as needed.
Transport clients to/from interviews, project sites, or scheduled service locations on an as needed basis.
Be a steward of ATS’s mission, vision, values, and beliefs.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

Bi-weekly, competitive pay
Paid time off
Floating holiday hours for those who qualify
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement options
Supplemental insurance
Short term disability plans for those who qualify
Entirely free and confidential employee assistance program (access to mental health, financial health, legal services, and wellness benefits for self and family)
Discount program (e.g., pet insurance)
Performance reviews conducted with supervisors to foster professional development
Tuition discounts
College and university partnerships
Continued education and supervision opportunities
Paid training for ACRE within the first 6 months of employment
Technology provided (iPad or Chromebook) to record data during sessions
Travel time reimbursement (included in total weekly hours)
Considerate client matching based on location and availability
Chance to make a difference in the lives of clients
Work with talented and dedicated people