Employment Specialist

Achieving True Self • Richland Township, PA

7d • $17 - $21 • Hybrid

About The Position

Achieving True Self (ATS) is seeking dedicated Employment Specialists to join their growing team. In this role, you will provide job-readiness and vocational coaching services to prepare clients for sustainable career opportunities and assist them in obtaining competitive integrated employment. You will implement established processes and utilize program-specific resources to support adults and transition-age students with Autism/neurodivergent needs and other disabilities in various workplace settings. Key responsibilities include identifying individual abilities and interests, coaching on critical workplace skills, modeling appropriate social interactions, redirecting perseverative behaviors, preparing clients for following written procedures and work instructions, interpreting environmental cues, identifying sensory needs, and discussing accommodations. You will also have opportunities to support the workplace by coaching coworkers, consulting with client managers, and collaborating with other paid supports related to employment. ATS is looking for candidates in the New Kensington, PA area who are available part-time with the potential to transition to full-time. Flexible availability is required to match client schedules, including a minimum of 2-3 evenings per week and flexibility on weekends.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A valid Pennsylvania driver's license with proof of car insurance, Pennsylvania vehicle registration, and a good driving record.
• ACRE certification required within 6 months of employment.
• FBI Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History (Act 33) and PA Criminal History (Act 34) clearances are required by the Office of Developmental Programs.
• Valid CPR certification upon hire. If CPR is not valid upon hire, CPR training will be provided.
• Ability to use iPad and/or other tablet devices for documentation.
• General knowledge of computer systems, including Windows and Google products.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works directly with individuals or teams of adults and/or students on the Autism Spectrum or with other various disabilities to prepare for and assist with obtaining employment that aligns with the individual’s interests, skills and abilities.
• Provides timely communication to clients and schedules services and meetings in accordance with established program timelines.
• Completes all program documentation as assigned, including but not limited to Supported Employment Support Plans, Community Based Work Assessments, Developmental Reports, Monthly Progress Reports for worksite activities, Individual Work Plans, etc.
• Provides direct training, support, and coaching for program clients in a variety of settings.
• Conducts task analyses and breaks down tasks into manageable steps for program clients.
• Supports and models effective workplace communications, task completion, and problem solving with clients.
• Consult with management and coworkers to adapt and best support the client in the workplace. The goal is to educate on the unique needs and strengths of your clients.
• Leads Paid Work Experience (PWE) sessions for clients or experiential job try-outs based on their individual needs and available workplace experiences.
• Facilitates and participates in job shadow opportunities for individuals as authorized.
• Manages time and appointments to ensure consistent and effective service delivery in accordance with program timelines.
• Communicates with program leadership regarding employer outreach needs and opportunities.
• Directly communicates with employers to explore opportunities for program clients and share worksite based needs.
• Complete all necessary documentation associated with hours billed. You will be required to collect clinical data, compile and collect results, and complete reports based off of data collected.
• Maintain eligibility for direct services through participation in essential training programs and supervision as needed.
• Transport clients to/from interviews, project sites, or scheduled service locations on an as needed basis.
• Be a steward of ATS’s mission, vision, values, and beliefs.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Bi-weekly, competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Floating holiday hours for those who qualify
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement options
• Supplemental insurance
• Short term disability plans for those who qualify
• Entirely free and confidential employee assistance program (access to mental health, financial health, legal services, and wellness benefits for you and your family)
• Discount program (e.g., pet insurance)
• Performance reviews conducted with supervisors to foster professional development
• Tuition discounts
• College and university partnerships
• Continued education and supervision opportunities
• Paid training for ACRE within the first 6 months of employment
• Technology provided (iPad or Chromebook) to record data during sessions
• Travel time reimbursement (included in total weekly hours)
• Considerate client matching based on your location and your availability
• Chance to make a difference in the lives of clients
• Work with talented and dedicated people

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED