Employment Specialist OMH- Employment Services

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.•Oakdale, NY

3d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy. POSITION SUMMARY The Employment Specialist will assist adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses learn about work and gain competitive employment. This is a full-time position ideal for those with flexible schedules. Must have excellent communication skills, be a self-starter, reliable, patient and able to work independently. Must be willing to work with at-risk populations. Significant outreach and networking are required to increase awareness of the program, advocacy, and member participation of all allowable services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with two (2) years of experience in a related human services field or an associate’s degree with one (1) year of experience in a related human services field.
Excellent communication skills
Self-starter
Reliable
Patient
Able to work independently
Willing to work with at-risk populations
Proficient computer skills
Valid Driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for FREE required
Must be able to adhere to a flexible work schedule that may include early hours, evening hours and weekends. Scheduling is dependent upon the needs of the people served.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or mental health diagnoses is strongly preferred.
Experience working in employment or vocational services is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
Provides individuals with pre-vocational training, situational assessments and referrals for active job development and placement.
Provides curriculum and/or relevant services in an individual and group setting through job clubs on a daily basis to teach soft skills which are vocationally relevant. Other areas addressed are resume building, interviewing skills, transportation, establish linkages to benefit counselors, coping skills and stress management.
Spends 70% or more time of scheduled work hours in the community. Will meet with individuals in a variety of community settings, including their homes.
Assists with orientating individuals to new environments i.e. new job sites, assessment sites and job fairs.
Utilizes outreach services to foster partnerships with other community organizations serving targeted community.
Must become familiar and assist individuals with Job Zone, ONET, Ticket to work, and ACCES-VR.
Ensures individuals are familiar with all means of Public Transportation and provide information to assist individuals in securing SCAT. Travel Training may be provided by the specialist on a case by case basis.
Ensures documentation meets quality and compliance thresholds and completes required documentation within mandated time frames.
Effectively communicates and supports the organization’s mission, vision and values.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.