Employment Support Professional

Community Living And Support Services (CLASS)•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Employment Support Professional supports individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining competitive integrated employment. The role includes outreach, intake, and assessment; developing community-integrated job opportunities; providing job-readiness assistance and on-the-job training; and delivering ongoing post-placement support to promote job stability. The employee completes required documentation and data collection, participates in consumer support teams, and performs duties in alignment with CLASS’s mission, values, and person-centered philosophy. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, and reports to the Employment Support Coordinator.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of experience with individuals with disabilities in a personal or professional manner; or an associate degree in a related field and at least three years of such experience.
Credential as a Certified Employment Support Professional through APSE or a National Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services through ACRE, or obtain the credential within the first nine months of employment.
Working knowledge of applicable regulations and requirements.
Current Criminal History Clearance.
Positive and effective communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Good organizational and writing skills.
Attention to detail and thorough follow-up.
Critical thinking, independent judgment, and decision-making skills.
Access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach, intake, and assessment activities to grow and maintain program census.
Build and maintain relationships with funders to secure referrals; contact referred individuals within 48 hours, confirm interest, and facilitate intake meetings.
Assess individuals’ strengths, areas for improvement, interests, and backgrounds; conduct community-based assessments when requested, including arranging sites, training and observing individuals, documenting observations, and writing outcome reports.
Develop community-integrated job opportunities and provide on-the-job training to support successful employment.
Help consumers develop job-readiness skills, including resumes and interview preparation; contact employers whose opportunities fit consumer interests and skills; complete job analyses as needed; and assist with interviews as appropriate.
Provide job-specific and soft-skills on-the-job training when needed.
Provide ongoing post-placement services, including coordinating reasonable accommodations with employers, establishing natural supports, developing and carrying out follow-up plans, and maintaining regular contact with consumers and employers with consumer approval.
Complete timely documentation in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) to meet Office of Vocational Rehabilitation requirements and complete documentation required under 6400 regulations.
Track outcome data in database systems used by CLASS.
Participate in consumer support team meetings as required by the funding source and communicate progress regularly according to funding requirements or agreements with the consumer and team.
Support individual choice, community integration, and person-centered services; communicate professionally and discreetly; work in a self-directed, organized, and efficient manner; maintain positive working relationships; and render and accept criticism professionally.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Attend trainings related to job functions as required.