Employment Specialist

Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga•Ithaca, NY

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, is seeking an Employment Specialist to provide vocational services to individuals facing challenges with mental health. The role involves working with employers to develop job positions and supporting clients in managing independent job skills. The agency's mission is to support all people in need and advocate for social justice and human dignity, serving individuals regardless of religion, beliefs, race, or ethnicity. They welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are looking for individuals passionate about helping others and making a difference in people's lives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with 1 year of experience in a vocational setting OR Associates degree with 5 years’ experience in a vocational setting.
Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle.
Good organizational and problem-solving skills.
Understanding and knowledge of OMH, ACCES and ADA.
Knowledge of employer expectations and local job market.
Experience working with individuals receiving support for a mental health condition.
Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all records reviewed including consumer records, employee records and billing records.
Ability to work in the following software programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms as required by funders and partner organizations.
Ability to analyze and interpret data.
Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
Continuous use of a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.
Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.
Provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy and other communication needs.

Responsibilities

Teach clients to manage independent job skills and requirements utilizing job task analysis and job specific supports, including assistive technology.
Build a support network which integrates the client, their co-workers, and their supervisors.
Advocate for clients with community employers.
Educate community employers to the financial and ethical benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
Work a flexible schedule, based on the needs of the individuals served.
Assist clients in arranging daily transportation to and from their home and job site.
Orientate the client to the company’s standard operating procedures and business culture.
Communicate client’s progress to the employer and support people, including family, support staff and other professionals as needed.
Provide comprehensive in person follow along services per funder guidelines.
Advocate to ensure consistent service delivery which connects work, home, social, recreational, and personal needs related to vocational success.
Identify natural supports in the workplace that the client can use for job support, transportation, and social connections.
Determine what the job duties are and put them into format that the client best understands (e.g. a map of the area, a list of duties, a description).
Mediate any differences with co-workers or employer if necessary and help client to develop skills and confidence to resolve their own difficulties.
Maintain knowledge about the job openings in all sectors and Access all sources providing information about job openings.
Demonstrate to potential employers the effectiveness and profitability of employing individuals with disabilities by identifying jobs that workers could perform.
Perform other duties as assigned.