Employment Specialist

**JOB SUMMARY:** This is a part-time position fulfilling the requirements to provide supported employment for a nonprofit agency. The incumbent will be responsible for placing persons with various disabilities into competitive employment in our community. It will require establishing and maintaining positive relationships with our business community, along with team members and the consumer. Reliable transportation will be required. You must be able to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, autonomously and most importantly contribute and work as a team member. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:** Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities. o Assists clients in understanding their DVR-provided benefits analysis and how employment may impact their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.), supporting informed decisions about employment opportunities. Reinforces information provided through benefits counseling and assists clients with reporting earnings, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed. Assesses clients' vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences. With the client's permission, provides education and support to family members. Discusses client's preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers. Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of supported employment. Conducts a minimum of three employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position. Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Writes job support plans with clients and incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to clients’ needs and preferences. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer. Provides outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service. Uses a variety of methods to provide outreach. o Provides Supported Employment services to eligible individuals in accordance with Alaska Medicaid Waiver program requirements, policies, and procedures.. Other duties as assigned. **QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:** Ability to work with persons of all ages with physical disabilities and emotional problems. Ability to preserve confidentiality as per FCS policy. Ability to establish and maintain trust and cooperation with individuals with disabilities and be able to respond to them with *dignity and respect* at all times. Experience with job coaching individuals with disabilities or willing to learn. AA in marketing or sales related field plus one-year paid marketing or sales experience preferred. Certification in Employment Services within 6 months. Ability to work as an effective team player is essential. High School graduate or GED and 3 years of paid full-time work experience with human service recipients and providers. Disability employment experience preferred. **PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:** Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and crawling. Occasionally perform work involving exerting 20-75lbs. of force, or 10-50 pounds of force frequently. **LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:** Position is subject to a background check. Must take TB test annually. Must have CPR and First Aid Certification bi-annually (in-house training course available on site). Attend and successfully pass basic MANDT training. Must be 18 years of age, have a current Alaskan driver license, reliable transportation, provide proof of current auto insurance and an acceptable driving record. **POSITION:** $22.21-23.34 DOE **Part-Time Non-Exempt position** Job Type: Part-time Pay: $22.21 - $23.34 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Application Question(s): * Are you able to transport an individual in your personal vehicle? Please note that vehicle use on shift is required. * Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local law and regulations? * Do you have current auto insurance on your vehicle? Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Location: * Soldotna, AK 99669 (Required) Shift availability: * Day Shift (Required) * Night Shift (Required) * Overnight Shift (Required) Work Location: In person