Employment Training Specialist

YAI • NY

105d • $19 - $19

About The Position

The Employment Training Specialist ensures health, wellness, and safety by providing appropriate supervision of the people we support and managing crisis situations while adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations, meeting and demonstrating OPWDD Core Competencies. This role involves implementing person-centered plans and assisting with various tasks for individuals, including participating in the development of staff action plans, developing job placements, and supporting person-centered advocacy. The specialist supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to realize, set, and meet their employment goals, helping them overcome personal barriers through respectful communication and person-first language. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of individuals, arranging workplace visits, and coordinating meetings with Care Managers and other professionals. The specialist also provides pre-employment counseling, facilitates training groups, and directly supervises job skills training at job sites. Regular travel across the assigned region is required to visit employed individuals and liaise with employers. The role demands maintaining a therapeutic environment, modeling professionalism, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additional duties may include performing direct support tasks as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or its educational equivalent.
• One year of work experience providing vocational or pre-vocational services to individuals with disabilities.
• Completion of necessary trainings, including OPWDD approved vocational rehabilitation or supported employment training program.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Basic computer skills, including email and utilizing Workday.
• Ability to model and teach work readiness skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and time management skills.
• Willingness to work with I/DD populations in an occupational setting.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred.
• Two years’ experience assisting people with barriers to employment.
• Work or life experience with individuals with I/DD.
• Valid NY State Driver's License highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate supervision of individuals supported and manage crisis situations.
• Implement person-centered plans and assist with various tasks for individuals.
• Participate in the development of staff action plans and job placements.
• Support person-centered advocacy and facilitate ethical decision-making.
• Assist individuals in maximizing their strengths and interests.
• Provide emotional support and help with communication and socialization.
• Work with unemployed individuals to provide pre-employment counseling.
• Facilitate training groups to develop professional skills.
• Directly supervise job skills training at job sites.
• Travel regularly to visit employed individuals and liaise with employers.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment and model professionalism.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation for compliance.
• Perform direct support tasks as needed.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer status.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees