Employment Specialist - Acces-Vr

Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga•Binghamton, NY

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga is hiring an Employment Specialist to provide vocational services to people enrolled in ACCES-VR. The role works with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues and with community employers to develop job opportunities and support successful employment. The position is full-time, 35 hours per week, with a salary of $22.00–$24.00 per hour based on experience. The Employment Specialist teaches clients job skills and requirements, helps them understand job duties and workplace procedures, and provides in-person follow-along support under ACCES-VR guidelines. The role builds support networks involving clients, coworkers, supervisors, families, and other support people; advocates for clients; and helps employers understand the benefits of employing people with disabilities. The specialist also assists with transportation arrangements, workplace relationships, and connections between vocational success and clients’ home, social, recreational, and personal needs. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and one year of vocational-setting experience, or an associate degree and five years of vocational-setting experience. A valid New York State driver’s license and continuous access to a reliable, registered, insured vehicle are required. The work environment is usually quiet. The job frequently involves sitting, talking, hearing, standing, walking, typing, and/or light lifting. Employment offers are contingent upon 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 with 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.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize duties.
Ability to analyze and interpret data.
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.
Demonstrated ethical business practices in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Willingness to foster agency, department, and program cooperation and teamwork through positive, constructive communication.
Commitment to the agency mission and ability to provide effective, equitable, understandable, respectful services responsive to diverse cultural beliefs, preferred languages, health literacy, and communication needs.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including frequent sitting, talking, hearing, standing, walking, typing, and/or light lifting; close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
Successful completion of a background check as a condition of an employment offer.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or people recovering from a mental health condition.

Responsibilities

Teach clients to manage independent job skills and requirements using job task analysis, job-specific supports, and assistive technology.
Build support networks that integrate clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
Advocate for clients with community employers and educate employers about the financial, ethical, and other 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 operating procedures and workplace 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 in accordance with ACCES-VR guidelines.
Promote consistent 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 understands, such as a map, list, or description.
Mediate differences with coworkers 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 people with disabilities by identifying jobs workers could perform.
Perform other related duties as assigned and follow appropriate supervisory direction.
Comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards.