Employment Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is listed as the education level; qualifying education and experience include one year of experience as a training instructor; or two years as a direct care service provider in a human services delivery setting such as case management, instruction, vocational services, or a related field; or two years as a production supervisor in a business, factory, or work setting; or a bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Behavioral Science, Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of supported employment principles and vocational rehabilitation practices.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and local employment-related regulations and program requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of PC-based software applications and office technologies.
• Knowledge of vocational assessment and evaluation techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and build positive relationships with consumers, employers, families, and community partners.
• Ability to conduct employment assessments and evaluate consumer skills and interests.
• Ability to provide individual and group training services.
• Ability to negotiate employment opportunities and advocate for consumers.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.
• Ability to participate in supervision, staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple assignments, work independently, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and complete required documentation on time.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License may be required depending on program assignment.
• Must maintain applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training.
• Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug testing.
• Physical ability to frequently walk, sit, stand, and kneel; occasionally climb, balance, bend, and stoop; frequently lift or move up to 15 pounds; sit for extended periods at a computer; use fine hand-eye coordination; and meet hearing and visual demands. Must be able to travel between Gateway sites and community employment locations.
• Must comply with applicable agency policies, safety requirements, conduct and ethics standards, and work-schedule expectations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vocational assessments and evaluate individuals’ job skills, strengths, interests, abilities, and employment readiness.
• Assist individuals with career exploration and employment goal development.
• Provide job readiness, employability, and job-seeking skills training to individuals and groups.
• Assist with applications, resumes, interviewing techniques, and job search activities.
• Develop employment opportunities through outreach to community businesses and employers.
• Negotiate with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities.
• Provide job placement services and coordinate employment supports.
• Conduct job analyses to identify essential job functions and workplace accommodations.
• Provide onsite job coaching, training, orientation, and employment support services.
• Monitor employment stability and provide follow-up services to support employment retention.
• Provide counseling, encouragement, and support to help individuals achieve employment goals.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, staffing reviews, and interdisciplinary planning.
• Collaborate with community agencies, employers, families, and service providers to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete service records and required information in accordance with agency standards.
• Maintain current knowledge of supported employment practices, labor market trends, and vocational rehabilitation resources.
• Attend required seminars, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Track and report employment outcomes and support community networking and resource development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Report to work as scheduled, follow agency policies and procedures, maintain professional conduct, and keep required licenses, certifications, and training current.
• Be prepared to remain at or return to work during agency incidents or emergencies and work non-traditional schedules as necessary to support agency operations.