Employment Specialist

Maryland Works•Silver Spring, MD

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides clinical, casework, vocational, and group work services to consumers and their families, and coordinates training to improve the vocational skills of individuals with disabilities. The role supports individuals through rehabilitation and employment planning, skill development, job placement, and ongoing workplace support. It also coordinates with families, case managers, other agencies, employers, and state and county programs, while maintaining required records, billing, attendance information, and quality assurance measures. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The specialist must be able to support consumers who may also have mental illnesses or physical disabilities, communicate professionally, provide strong customer service, and work independently and collaboratively. A valid driver’s license with no more than three points, access to a vehicle for work purposes, and proof of car insurance are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of experience working with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Ability to work with high-risk consumers who may have mental illness, developmental or intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff and individuals served.
Valid driver’s license with no more than three points.
Access to a vehicle for work purposes and proof of car insurance.
Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting.
Compassionate and caring nature.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Interview and evaluate DDA and MHA applicants or candidates, consulting with medical and professional personnel to assess disability, service eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation feasibility.
Assess individuals’ social, emotional, financial, health, vocational, and other needs and develop rehabilitation treatment plans or Person-Centered Plan goals.
Facilitate the initial Discovery process for individuals interested in employment.
Implement treatment plans and support individuals in achieving personal and vocational goals.
Counsel individuals to help them identify and resolve problems and make effective use of resources.
Support individuals in obtaining marketable skills and seek suitable, gainful employment consistent with their desires, aptitudes, and limitations.
Assist individuals with onboarding after they secure competitive community-based employment.
Address work-related problems and difficulties, adjusting assigned tasks when an individual cannot perform them.
Organize and conduct support and vocational groups as needed.
Observe work performance to ensure prescribed methods and established standards are followed.
Maintain working relationships with other agencies, institutions, homes, and facilities, and act as a liaison between individuals and these organizations.
Act as a liaison between individuals and their supervisors and coworkers.
Help individuals understand mental illness and its effects on their health, lifestyles, and employment.
Review evaluations to determine recommended work and limitations related to specific disabilities.
Prepare and maintain case records and reports, complete case follow-up and closure, and perform other administrative duties.
Assist applicants with personal adjustment during rehabilitation and access to medical and social services during training.
Determine DOR eligibility, assist with DOR applications, and coordinate intake and orientation meetings with individuals and DOR counselors.
Ensure accurate and timely billing of services to DOR and iCM (DDA LTSS billing).
Coordinate with case managers, life coaches, families, and individuals to identify changes or additions to annual Person-Centered Plans that reflect needed services and maximize funding.
Maintain records of progress toward DOR goals.
Secure job leads and develop professional relationships with potential community-based employers.
Submit incident reports for the department in the Electronic Medical Record within 24 hours of an incident, in accordance with agency and state policy.
Oversee quality assurance measures at assigned licensed sites.
Follow County, State DDA, MHA, and MBON policies and procedures.
Ensure daily attendance is submitted accurately and on time in the Electronic Medical Record in accordance with agency, State Medicaid, and DDA policies and procedures.
Ensure staffing schedules and ratios comply with each individual’s plan or treatment plan.
Check work email at the beginning and end of each shift.
Participate in and successfully complete required training.
Perform other duties as assigned.