Employment Training Specialist

YAI • New York, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in achieving their employment goals. The specialist will provide direct training, coaching, and support at job sites, assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, and engage with employers to ensure successful placements. The position involves case management, coordination with external professionals, and maintaining a therapeutic environment through person-centered approaches. The role also requires adherence to regulatory requirements, accurate documentation, and potentially performing direct support tasks in other settings.

Requirements

• HS Diploma or its educational equivalent
• One year of work experience providing vocational or pre-vocational services to individuals with disabilities
• Completes necessary trainings, including OPWDD approved vocational rehabilitation or supported employment training program and annual retraining(s)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, as required by caseload, including occasional evening and/or weekend hours
• Regular travel throughout assigned region(s)
• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks
• Ability to model and teach work readiness skills and appropriate workplace behavior at all times
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication and time management skills
• Highly flexible personality type and willingness to take initiative
• Willingness to work with the I/DD populations in an occupational setting and comfort working with employers
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to assist people we support in performing the functions of their jobs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or some college preferred; may be required for certain contracts
• Two (2) years’ experience assisting people with barriers to employment; may be required for certain contracts
• Work or life experience with individuals with I/DD
• Valid NY State Driver's License highly preferred for assignments in areas with limited public transportation

Responsibilities

• Ensures health, wellness, and safety by providing appropriate supervision and managing crisis situations according to policies and regulations.
• Implements person-centered plans and assists with various tasks for individuals, including developing staff action plans and supporting job placement.
• Supports individuals with I/DD to set and meet employment goals, overcome personal barriers, and understand their ambitions through respectful communication.
• Manages a caseload of individuals, arranging workplace visits, virtual meetings, and coordinating with Care Managers and other professional supports.
• Assists individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities, upholding their rights, providing emotional support, and building positive relationships at worksites.
• Provides pre-employment counseling to explore career interests and supports job development activities.
• Facilitates training groups to teach and develop professional skills and behaviors for obtaining and maintaining community employment.
• Provides on-site job and job skills training, coaching, and support at job sites for individuals with moderate to complex needs.
• Regularly travels to visit employed individuals at their workplaces, gathers feedback from managers, and addresses any issues or concerns.
• Serves as a member of a team, providing feedback, communicating programmatic needs, and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
• Maintains a therapeutic environment using methods like Personal Outcome Measures, Person Centered Thinking, and Informed Decision Making.
• Models professionalism, punctuality, ownership, and accountability, effectively managing time and responsibilities.
• Facilitates learning and training in fire safety, including emergency and evacuation drills.
• Develops and maintains understanding of specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs related to employment.
• Reviews and completes all required paperwork and documentation for compliance and/or billing accurately and within timeframes.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local, and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including HIPAA.
• May perform direct support professional tasks, including personal care and assisting with activities of daily living in other settings if trained and authorized.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

What This Job Offers

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