Employment Specialist

HEARTSHARE HUMAN SERVICES OF NEW YORK•New York, NY

6d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides individualized employment supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in Heartshare’s Supported Employment Services (SEMP) program. The role helps individuals obtain, maintain, and advance in competitive integrated employment through job development, employer engagement, individualized job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support. The Specialist works directly with individuals, employers, families, care teams, and community partners to promote independence, self-determination, and successful employment outcomes. Using person-centered planning, the Employment Specialist identifies employment goals, develops individualized strategies, and provides appropriate support to help each person achieve and maintain meaningful employment. Services must comply with OPWDD regulations, ACCES-VR requirements, agency policies, and supported-employment best practices. The position is based at Kaleidoscope Day in Brooklyn, has a day shift, and requires travel of up to 50%, including travel throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

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 opportunities aligned with their interests and abilities.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community businesses, and workforce partners; conduct employer outreach, job development, and networking.
Help individuals complete applications, prepare resumes, practice interviews, and develop workplace-readiness skills.
Educate employers about reasonable accommodations, disability awareness, and effective workplace supports.
Provide individualized job coaching and training, including instruction in job duties, task completion, workplace routines, communication, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving.
Fade supports when appropriate while maintaining successful employment outcomes, and assist individuals with adapting to changes in job responsibilities, expectations, or work environments.
Provide follow-up and job-retention support after placement.
Provide community-based instruction, travel training, and safety awareness to increase independence and workplace success.
Support individuals in navigating community resources and employment-related activities, and promote self-advocacy and independence at work.
Complete accurate and timely daily service documentation, monthly progress notes, employment reports, and other 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 Individualized Service Plan (ISP), Life Plan, Program Planning Team, and employment-related meetings as required.
Collaborate with Care Managers, families, residential providers, employers, and other service providers, and provide feedback on progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Promote inclusion, dignity, independence, and meaningful community participation.
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 training, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned, including duties assigned by the Senior Employment Services Manager, consistent with the position’s scope and applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Benefits

Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and holidays.
403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical expenses, 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.