Employment Training Specialist

YAI • New York City, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their employment goals. The specialist will assist individuals in overcoming barriers, developing job skills, and maintaining employment in the community. This includes providing direct training, coaching, and support at job sites, as well as liaising with employers, care managers, and other professionals. The position requires a person-centered approach, focusing on the individual's strengths, interests, and abilities, while ensuring their rights and promoting positive relationships. The specialist will also be responsible for case management, documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

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, helping them overcome personal barriers and engaging in respectful communication.
• Manages a caseload of individuals, arranging workplace visits, meetings, and coordinating with Care Managers and other professional supports.
• Assists individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities, upholding their rights, and providing emotional support.
• Works with unemployed individuals, providing pre-employment counseling and supporting job development activities.
• Facilitates training groups to teach and develop professional skills and behaviors for obtaining and maintaining 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, gathering feedback from managers and addressing concerns.
• Serves as a member of a team, providing feedback, communicating programmatic needs, and maintaining a solution-oriented approach.
• Maintains a therapeutic environment using methods like Personal Outcome Measures and Person Centered Thinking.
• Models professionalism, punctuality, ownership, and accountability, managing time and responsibilities effectively.
• 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 billing.
• 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, if trained and authorized.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

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