Employment Specialist- SLP

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center • New Haven, CT

5d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides one-to-one job coaching for an individual working competitively at three worksites: one in Waterbury, Connecticut, and two in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. This part-time role is part of the Supported Living Program and reports to the SLP Program Manager. The position provides employment support, job training, job retention services, and vocational skill development, working with the individual, employers, and other stakeholders to maintain paid employment, support workplace integration, and promote long-term success. Building rapport with both the individual and employers is an important part of the role.

The Employment Specialist reports to Chapel Haven’s campus and travels with the individual to work sites by Uber, paid for by the individual. Staff are not required to provide transportation or use a personal vehicle.

The organization describes itself as a nonprofit devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. It emphasizes self-advocacy, independence, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, integrity, and community connection.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or a related field, and/or a minimum of two years of related job coaching or industry experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, including employment challenges and opportunities for this population.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, teaching ability, and empathy toward individual needs.
• Ability to balance the needs of the employer and the individual receiving services.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, and an independent problem solver.
• Computer skills, including Word, Excel, web-based applications, and databases.
• High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Haven’s values.
• Openness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to travel by rideshare with the individual between Chapel Haven’s campus and work sites. A personal vehicle is not required.

Nice To Haves

• ACRE endorsement in Customized Employment and familiarity with customized employment, APSE, and Employment First principles.
• Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential.
• Public Service License (PSL) or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching, training, and stabilization support to help the individual achieve personal and career development goals.
• Teach and model the skills needed to perform job duties.
• Uphold vocational goals and job interests, and document observations as needed.
• Maintain effective communication with employers, the individual served, family, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide on-the-job support, training, and assistance with adjustment and transition to the work environment to promote job retention.
• Travel with the individual from Chapel Haven’s campus to the work site by Uber, paid for by the individual.
• Advocate with employers and coworkers regarding the individual’s strengths, accommodations, and support needs, when needed.
• Support employment site development efforts as assigned.
• Complete required progress reports and documentation, including reports, Setworks entries, billing, and documentation required by CHSC and the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services.
• Document activities and outcomes accurately and on time.
• Attend and actively participate in planning meetings.
• Support the training of Job Coaches as assigned.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Part-time employees have a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact; select benefits may also be available.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• A professional, warm, and welcoming workplace with a strong sense of community, teamwork, and compassion.
• Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time