Workforce Development Specialist - Community Based

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises•Brentwood, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The primary role of the Workforce Development Specialist is to assess the abilities of FREE clients in all vocational programming. To accomplish this, the Specialist will collaborate with FREE employment staff across all programs to discuss the skills and abilities of the client, while also identifying areas where support is needed. The Workforce Development Specialist will develop and maintain connections to businesses and other organizations in the community that all employment programs can utilize to place program participants in paid positions, volunteer opportunities, or situational community assessments.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required.
Associate’s degree in human services or another related field and two (2) years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required.
Bachelor’s degree in human services or another related field and one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required.
Proficient computer skills
Proficient writing skills with grasp of basic grammar and spelling
Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication/interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential
Knowledge of OPWDD, OMH, and ACCES-VR regulations regarding vocational and employment services
Must stay updated with policies and procedures within FREE as well as within state employment services
18 years of age or older
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on program needs
Valid driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the agency required

Nice To Haves

Experience completing assessments for vocational evaluation preferred.

Responsibilities

Establishes and develops relationships with businesses and organizations in the community to provide program participants with job placements, assessments, and volunteer opportunities.
Collaborates with all staff in vocational and employment programming to ensure quality service provision to clients.
Continuously assesses participants in all vocational and employment programming via skill assessments and observational tools to properly match the correct services and placements to the clients’ current needs.
Monitors ACCES-VR and Career Specific Vocational Training students and their progress with their curriculum of choice to properly guide them through the continuum of services and job placement.
Assists clients with completing service applications such as ACCES-VR, ETP, and internal applications to services within FREE.
Completes daily documentation of both direct and indirect services into appropriate electronic health systems.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and enhance individual vocational skills.
Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.