EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - ACCES-VR

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA•Owego, NY

1h•$22 - $24

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, is hiring a full-time Employment Specialist to provide vocational services to people enrolled in ACCES-VR. The role works with employers to develop job positions for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues. The schedule is 35 hours per week, and the stated salary is $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience. The specialist provides job coaching, advising, job development, and marketing. This includes helping clients build independent job skills, connecting them with workplace supports, advocating with employers, and providing follow-along services in accordance with ACCES-VR guidelines. The position also helps coordinate transportation and communicates progress with employers and the client's support network. Catholic Charities describes its mission as supporting people in need and advocating for social justice and human dignity. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and emphasizes a supportive, collaborative environment, work-life balance, growth and development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

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.
Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Understanding and knowledge of ACCES and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Knowledge of employer expectations and the local job market.
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or individuals recovering from a mental health condition.
Ability to demonstrate ethical business practices in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize duties.
Willingness to foster agency, department, and program-wide cooperation and teamwork through positive, constructive communication.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of consumer, employee, and billing records.
Ability to work with Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms required by funders and partner organizations.
Ability to analyze and interpret data.
Valid New York State driver's license, with a driving record acceptable to the agency and its insurance carrier.
Continuous access to a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
Commitment to the agency mission.
Ability to provide effective, equitable, understandable, respectful, culturally responsive quality care and services.
Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Teach clients to manage independent job skills and requirements using job task analysis, job-specific supports, and assistive technology.
Build workplace support networks involving clients, 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 procedures and business culture.
Communicate client progress to employers and support people, including family, support staff, and other professionals as needed.
Provide comprehensive in-person follow-along services according to ACCES-VR guidelines.
Advocate for coordinated service delivery connecting work with clients' 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 a format the client can best understand.
Mediate differences with co-workers or employers when necessary and help clients develop skills and confidence to resolve difficulties.
Maintain knowledge of job openings across sectors and access sources of job-opening information.
Demonstrate to potential employers the effectiveness and profitability of employing individuals with disabilities by identifying jobs they could perform.
Perform other duties as assigned.