This is a full-time position.  The Employment Specialist will be responsible for contacting community employers and securing employment opportunities for Tennessee individuals that are consistent with the interests and qualifications of the individual.  He or she will work with individuals, families, Case Managers, Independent Support Coordinators, Orange Grove personnel, and all applicable stakeholders, to ensure successful intakes, assessment, placements, follow-along, and billing transactions.  He or she will coordinate transportation and trouble shoot employment barriers. Flexible hours will be required to ensure successful job placements in the community. The ability and availability to transport individuals is required.  He or she will provide hands-on job coaching, which will include direct training in various job settings to familiarize the individual with specific job demands. They will instruct and supervise Job Coaches as needed and assist in developing positive relationships and provide a source of awareness to employers and coworkers on the productive and positive qualities of people with disabilities. Will assist the Lead Employment Specialist in completing Integrated Work Site Assessments, Vocational Adjustment Services, Job Readiness/Job Placement services, Supported Employment Job Coaching, Non-supported Employment Job Coaching services, and Supported Employment services. Will assist Lead Employment Specialist in implementing the Pre-Employment services of Exploration and Discovery and Job Placement and implement various Enabling Technology programs. Reliable transportation, an “F” endorsement on a current driver’s license, and proof of ongoing vehicle insurance coverage is a must.  He or she will attend training courses and conferences, both locally and regionally. The Employment Specialist will complete the necessary paperwork and reports to fulfill all Orange Grove, State and Federal requirements. The Employment Specialist will meet annual placement goals set by Orange Grove Center.

This job description is written to cover the basics and most of the specifics of the position. However, there may be other duties that arise, or which may be assigned by your supervisor, that will be your responsibility.

EDUCATION:                        To provide Vocational Adjustment services, Job Readiness/Job Placement services, and Supported Employment Job Coaching the applicant must meet one of the following criteria:  A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) from an accredited college or university and written documentation of one (1) year of experience in delivering employment related services ;or an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or a high school diploma or High School equivalency (HiSet) or general equivalency diploma (GED) and written documentation of two (2) years of successful experience in delivering employment related services to individuals with disabilities.

To provide Supported Employment (SE)services, the applicant must meet the following education/experience requirements:  A Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) from an accredited college or university and/or written verifiable documentation of one (1) year of successful work experience in delivering employment related services; or an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and/or written verifiable documentation of two (2) years of successful work experience in delivering employment related services to individuals with disabilities.

EXPERIENCE:                      Experience in Job Developing preferred.  In addition, the Employment Specialist will be eligible to be classified as an SE Professional Employment Specialist upon the completion of a training certification from a state or nationally recognized employment program on SE by completing the ACRE course requirement. The SE Specialist certification must be obtained within twelve (12) months of the individual being designated to provide services as a SE Professional Employment Specialist. Upon hire, an acceptable alternative is the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification.  Must complete the Job Coach Curriculum in Relias and other training programs as required. Successful, demonstrated experience developing within the Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Tennessee Medicaid Waiver program is preferred.

TECHNICAL             

JOB KNOWLEDGE:             Must be capable of working within the guidelines of Tennessee Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services,Tennessee Department of Aging and Disabilities and Orange Grove Center. Other technical requirements as stated in the Experience section is required. Should be comfortable with computer technology and competent with MS Office applications.   

PHYSICAL                             Good overall physical health and personal stamina.  Physical

REQUIREMENTS:                examination, including TB skin test or chest x-ray is required prior to                                                      employment. Work Capacity form is included with this job description.

SUPERVISORY                      Responsible directly to the Coordinator of the Employment Services

REQUIREMENTS:                Department. Has the responsibility of assisting with supervising all full-time Job Coach(s).