Employment Specialist - Acces-Vr

Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga•Owego, NY

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, provides vocational services to people enrolled in ACCES-VR. The Employment Specialist works with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health conditions to support employment success, and partners with community employers to develop suitable job opportunities. The role includes job coaching, advising, job development, employer education, and coordination of workplace and community supports. The agency serves people regardless of religion, beliefs, race, ethnicity, or identity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position with a stated salary of $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience. The work involves in-person follow-along services and a flexible schedule based on the needs of the individuals served. Employees must comply with applicable laws and requirements for confidentiality, privacy, program delivery, billing, and documentation. Any offer is contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and one year of experience in a vocational setting, or an associate degree and five years of experience in a vocational setting.
Valid New York State driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the agency and its insurance carrier.
Continuous access to a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Understanding and knowledge of ACCES and the ADA.
Knowledge of employer expectations and the local job market.
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or individuals in recovery from a mental health condition.
Demonstrated ethical business practices in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize duties.
Ability to foster cooperation and teamwork through positive, constructive communication.
Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of consumer, employee, and billing records.
Ability to use Windows, Microsoft Office, and online software platforms required by funders and partner organizations.
Ability to analyze and interpret data.
Commitment to the agency mission.
Ability to provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and other communication needs.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Teach clients to manage independent job skills and job requirements using job task analysis, job-specific supports, and assistive technology.
Build support networks integrating the client, co-workers, and supervisors.
Advocate for clients with community employers and educate employers about the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
Work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the individuals served.
Assist clients in arranging daily transportation between home and the job site.
Orient clients to company standard operating procedures and business culture.
Communicate clients’ progress to employers and support people, including family, support staff, and other professionals as needed.
Provide comprehensive in-person follow-along services in accordance with ACCES-VR guidelines.
Promote consistent service delivery connecting work with home, social, recreational, and personal needs related to vocational success.
Identify natural workplace supports for job assistance, transportation, and social connections.
Determine job duties and present them in formats clients can best understand, such as maps, lists, or descriptions.
Mediate differences between clients and co-workers or employers when necessary, and help clients develop skills and confidence to resolve difficulties.
Maintain knowledge of job openings in all sectors and access sources of job-opening information.
Demonstrate to potential employers the effectiveness and profitability of employing individuals with disabilities by identifying jobs workers could perform.
Perform other related duties as assigned.