Employment Specialist

Heartshare Human Services Of New York•Brooklyn, NY

10d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides individualized employment supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) participating in HeartShare’s Supported Employment Services (SEMP) program. The role supports individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing competitive integrated employment through job development, employer engagement, individualized job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support. The position works directly with individuals, employers, families, care teams, and community partners to promote independence, self-determination, and successful employment outcomes. Using person-centered planning practices, the Employment Specialist identifies employment goals, develops individualized strategies, and provides appropriate support for individuals to achieve and maintain meaningful employment. Services must comply with OPWDD regulations, ACCES-VR requirements, agency policies, and supported-employment best practices. The position includes employment planning and job placement; employer outreach and education; job coaching and workplace training; community-based instruction and travel training; service documentation and regulatory compliance; individual advocacy; and collaboration with care teams, families, employers, and service providers. The Employment Specialist also follows applicable safety, confidentiality, and professional policies, reports incidents and concerns, participates in required training and meetings, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish professional relationships with individuals supported, employers, families, and community partners.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple individuals and employment goals simultaneously.
Ability to travel throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with program leadership.
Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence, and competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Education, Business, or a related field.
At least one year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experience providing employment services, vocational training, job coaching, or community-based supports.
Knowledge of supported employment principles, workplace accommodations, and person-centered planning.
Certified Employment Specialist (CES) credential.
CPR/First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Help individuals identify employment interests, strengths, skills, and career goals through person-centered employment planning.
Support individuals in pursuing competitive integrated employment aligned with their interests and abilities.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community businesses, and workforce partners; conduct employer outreach, job development, and networking.
Assist individuals with applications, resumes, interview practice, and workplace readiness skills.
Educate employers about reasonable accommodations, disability awareness, and effective workplace supports.
Provide individualized job coaching and training, teaching job duties, workplace expectations, communication, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving.
Support individuals in learning job duties, routines, and employer expectations; fade supports when appropriate and provide ongoing follow-up and retention support.
Help individuals adapt to changes in job responsibilities, workplace expectations, or employment environments.
Provide community-based instruction, travel training, and transportation safety support; help individuals navigate community resources and employment-related activities.
Promote self-advocacy, independence, inclusion, dignity, and meaningful participation in workplace and community settings.
Complete accurate, timely service documentation, including daily documentation, monthly progress notes, employment reports, and required program records.
Document employment goals, progress, barriers, and outcomes in accordance with OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Medicaid, and HeartShare requirements; maintain confidentiality under HIPAA.
Advocate for individuals’ employment goals, preferences, and workplace rights.
Participate in ISP, Life Plan, Program Planning Team, and employment-related meetings as required.
Collaborate with Care Managers, families, residential providers, employers, and other service providers; share progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Follow OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OSHA, HIPAA, and HeartShare policies and procedures; immediately report incidents, concerns, or changes in an individual's condition or employment status.
Maintain professional boundaries, respect cultural differences and individual preferences, and represent HeartShare professionally in the community.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including duties assigned by the Senior Employment Services Manager.

Benefits

Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and holidays.
403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
Employee appreciation programs and events.
Tuition assistance program.
Professional development opportunities.
Gympass discount.
Verizon Wireless discount.
BJ’s membership discount.
Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates, and more.