Employment Specialist

Youth Advocate Program Inc•Reading, PA

41d

About The Position

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is invested in the belief of self-determination and positive approaches for all individuals that we serve in our Developmental Disability Programs. We follow the concepts set by the Office of Developmental Programs in Pennsylvania that defines Everyday Lives as the personal with a disability having the support of the families and friends; individual decides how to live their lives; what supports they need; and how they want to spend their money in their individual budgets. The key components are accountability, choice, collaboration, inclusion, contributing to the community, control, freedom, individuality, mentoring, quality, relationships, safety, stability, and success. Everyday Lives excerpt from 1991 Everyday Lives Booklet. The role of the Employment Specialist is to evaluate the individuals skills, interests, and employment goals to identify potential job opportunities that align with the abilities and preferences. Help to provide on-the-job training and support to ensure individual success. Work closely with the work site, families, and other support networks and monitor and adjust support as needed to maintain employment. Availability to work up to 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in psychology or a related field OR
Bachelor's Degree in any other major with one year of paid experience OR
Associates Degree or 60 completed college credits with three years of paid experience working with young adults and/or adults or
High School Diploma or GED and one-year experience paid or volunteer, working with young adults and/or adults
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
Knowledge of community resources
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems are a plus.
Reliable insured transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage is required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish Speaking) is a plus.

Responsibilities

evaluate the individuals skills, interests, and employment goals to identify potential job opportunities that align with the abilities and preferences
provide on-the-job training and support to ensure individual success
Work closely with the work site, families, and other support networks and monitor and adjust support as needed to maintain employment