Employment Specialist

Maryland Works•Silver Spring, MD

13d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides clinical, casework, vocational, and group work services to consumers and their families, while coordinating training to improve vocational skills for individuals with disabilities. The role evaluates applicants for services and vocational rehabilitation, develops and implements rehabilitation treatment plans and Person-Centered Plan goals, and supports individuals in pursuing personal and vocational goals. It includes facilitating the employment Discovery process, helping individuals obtain and maintain competitive community-based employment, and addressing work-related difficulties and adjustment needs. The specialist coordinates with individuals, families, case managers, life coaches, DOR counselors, employers, and staff of other agencies and institutions. Responsibilities also include managing records and billing, tracking progress toward DOR goals, maintaining attendance and staffing documentation, submitting incident reports, overseeing quality assurance at assigned licensed sites, and following applicable agency, County, State DDA, MHA, and MBON policies and procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of experience working with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities.
Valid driver’s license with no more than three points and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Proof of car insurance.
Ability to work with high-risk consumers who have mental illness as well as developmental or intellectual and physical disabilities.
Strong desire to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff and individuals served.
Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting.
Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Compassionate and caring nature.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Interview and evaluate DDA and MHA applicants or candidates and confer with medical and professional personnel about disability, service eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation feasibility.
Assess individuals’ social, emotional, financial, health, vocational, and other needs to develop rehabilitation treatment plans or PCP goals.
Facilitate and complete the initial Discovery process for individuals interested in employment.
Implement treatment plans and support individuals in reaching personal and vocational goals.
Counsel individuals to help them identify and resolve problems and make effective use of resources.
Help individuals obtain gainful employment after acquiring marketable skills and assist with onboarding after competitive community-based employment is secured.
Resolve work-related problems or difficulties and assign simpler tasks when an individual cannot perform assigned duties.
Organize and conduct support groups and vocational groups as needed.
Observe work to ensure it follows prescribed methods and meets established standards.
Maintain working relationships with staff of other agencies, institutions, homes, and facilities, and act as a liaison between individuals and those organizations.
Act as a liaison between individuals and their supervisors and coworkers.
Help individuals understand mental illness and its effects on health, lifestyle, and employment.
Review evaluations to determine recommended work and limitations related to specific disabilities.
Prepare and maintain written case records and reports, conduct case follow-up and closing, and complete other administrative tasks.
Determine suitable jobs or businesses consistent with applicants’ desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
Assist applicants with personal adjustment throughout the rehabilitation program and help them obtain medical and social services during training.
Determine DOR eligibility and assist individuals with DOR applications.
Coordinate meetings with individuals and DOR counselors to secure intake and orientation.
Accurately and promptly bill services to DOR and iCM (DDA LTSS billing).
Work with case managers, life coaches, families, and individuals to identify additions or changes to annual Person-Centered Plans reflecting needed services and funding.
Maintain records of progress toward DOR goals.
Secure job leads and develop professional relationships with potential community-based employers.
Write and submit department incident reports in the Electronic Medical Record within 24 hours of an incident, in accordance with agency and State policy.
Oversee quality assurance measures at assigned licensed sites.
Follow County, State DDA, MHA, and MBON policies and procedures.
Ensure accurate and timely daily submission of individuals’ attendance in the Electronic Medical Record in accordance with agency, State Medicaid, and DDA policies and procedures.
Ensure staffing schedules and ratios comply with each individual’s plan or treatment plan.
Check work email at the beginning and end of each shift.
Participate in and successfully complete required trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

403(b) retirement plan with company match.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off.
Parental leave.
Birthday off each year.
Ongoing development programs and career advancement opportunities.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program.
Annual wellness initiatives and access to the Calm App.
Recognition and rewards through the Awardco platform and referral program.
Discounts through FunEx and other programs.
Life and AD&D insurance at no cost.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Optional legal assistance.
Transferable life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Ancillary plans including critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent-care expenses.