EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Definition/ Nature of Work

The Employment Specialist for Employment Solutions, a division of The Arc of the Ozarks, is a key player in providing services for our primary customer (an individual who has a disability) and our secondary customers (funding sources, families, employers, other service providers.)  The Employment Specialist’s primary job is to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.  This role includes supporting the individual through work samples (called community-based assessments) in local businesses, assisting to connect the individual with community resources, assisting with transportation planning/ bus training, assisting the individual with the application and interview process, and supporting the person once they have accepted a job offer of their choosing.  Once a job is secured, the Employment Specialist will be responsible for facilitating supports the individual needs at the worksite.  This does not replace the training offered by the business, but some individuals need additional support with developing work relationships, setting a routine, meeting timelines, and ensuring quality.  The Employment Specialist either provides this one-on-one support, or supervises a Job Coach who provides the support.  Supports may be provided on or off-site, depending on the needs of the individual receiving services.  As the individual becomes confident and effective in their position, the Employment Specialist is responsible for planning a gradual fading process for one-on-one support, as well as develops a plan for long-term support.  This plan includes input from the individual, their employer, and all persons on their support team.

Communication through the entire process is extremely important.  The Employment Specialist is responsible for communication with the individual receiving services, funding sources, employer, and other members of the individual’s support team.  The Employment Specialist is also responsible for ensuring quality and satisfaction of all customers.  The Employment Specialist will ask for feedback and suggestions from all parties involved through formal and informal methods.

The Employment Specialist will work closely with the Employment Program Supervisors, providing support and assistance as needed.

Employment Specialists will be responsible for cross-training in all Department of Mental Health individual and group Supported Employment and Prevocational sites, as they will be the first line of coverage if needed.

This position is a full-time, hourly role.

Essential Job Functions

The below are intended as examples of various types of work performed, they are not all inclusive.  The omission of a specific job duty from the below does not exclude them as a required job function as specified by the appropriate supervisor:

1. Articulate the values driving employment services.
2. Use respectful language in all phases of support.
3. Facilitate meaningful and informed choices.
4. Use Person-Centered principles as the guiding influence in daily interactions.
5. Use discretion and independent judgement to utilize personal and professional networks as appropriate to facilitate successful employment for individuals served.
6. Measure consumer satisfaction and use results to continuously improve employment services.
7. Build relationships with the local business community and offer recruitment assistance to meet their hiring needs.
8. Use discretion and independent judgment in security appropriate job matches for individuals served.
9. Utilize a variety of techniques to assist people to be socially included at work.
10. Identify and facilitate the use of supports that are typical in the workplace.
11. Use teaching strategies to train and facilitate training.
12. Pro-actively problem-solve.
13. Assist the person in accessing additional resources.
14. Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
15. Conduct and attend planning meetings and assist the individual in advocating their needs and desires.
16. Maintain knowledge of occupations and expectations of the occupations in the area.
17. Independently meet timelines, organize work load, and manage time effectively.
18. Assist in department goal setting and planning.
19. Record and maintain all daily and monthly paperwork requirements.
20. Work independently with minimal supervision, exercising good judgement, time management and managing stress.
21. Provide input to team members concerning the support needs and progress of the customer.
22. Work a flexible schedule to meet the support needs of the customer.
23. Assist to maintain financial stability of the Employment Solutions Program through monitoring financial statements and making changes as needed.
24. Abide by the Personnel Policies and Procedures of The Arc of the Ozarks as a condition of employment.
25. Assist Employment Solutions and The Arc of the Ozarks in Public Relations Activities to promote disability awareness, community inclusion, and programming support.
26. Provides supervision and oversight to individuals in Job Coach position.
27. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. High School diploma or GED. 
2. Minimum of 2 years experience in Human Services or Employment field preferred.
3. Good decision-making, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills.
4. Good public relations skills
5. Knowledge of the community and strong personal network.
6. Ability, willingness, and commitment to furthering knowledge and education.
7. Ability to independently lift items weighing up to 50 lbs on at least an intermittent basis.
8.  Ability to assist in lifting and transferring up to 150 lbs with two-person lifts.
9. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
10. Ability to work in a variety of environments which could include dust, extreme hot and cold temperatures, strong odors and industrial chemicals.
11. Valid chauffeur’s (Class E) license with a good driving record
12. Dependable vehicle and current liability auto insurance.
13. Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignment, methods, schedule, and policies, etc.
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals served, employers, other community members, funding sources, families, and other providers.