Supported Employment Specialist (Job Coach)

Description

SUMMARY    

Under general supervision, is responsible for developing and providing work site training and adjustment services to individuals in supported employment situations. Coordinates adaptation of the work site as needed. Assists the individual with personal and social needs as they apply to the work environment.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

The duties and responsibilities of the Supportive Employment Specialist – Vocational Services will include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Establishes and maintains contacts with business community in order to place individuals with developmental disabilities into competitive employment.  
• Collects and documents information about employment leads including required skill level, hours of employment, accessibility, etc.  
• Provides one on one intervention for individuals who have been placed at work sites.  
• Completes all required paperwork accurately, neatly and timely.  
• Trains individuals served to perform assigned work to best of their ability.  
• Familiarizes individuals served with their new work environment.  
• Attends staff meetings, case conferences and in-service training as required.  
• Ensures that program participants are treated with utmost regard for their personal dignity.  
• Participates in intake meetings and IPP conferences.  
• Arranges transportation and/or provides travel training to enable individuals to get to job sites.  
• Advocates for individuals served as requested.  
• Assists Occupational Therapist with job site analysis, work site modification and building accessibility analysis.  
• Maintains contact with VESID, OMRDD, Social Security, etc.  
• Keeps abreast of changes in field.  
• Employees may be mandated to work beyond their scheduled shift based on operational needs.
• Orientation and training will be conducted at the agency Headquarters in Middletown. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS    

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English  
• Good interpersonal skills are required in order to interact effectively with employees, coworkers, other departments, families, employers, outside contacts, etc.  
• Due to sensitive nature of the position, must be able to maintain the strictest confidentiality.  
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.  
• Ability to troubleshoot situations  
• Good organizational skills  
• Ability to relate to special populations and to understand the principles of behavior management  
• Good oral and written communications skills  
• May be transferred to another job site and/or title to meet agency needs  
• Ability to travel to various places of employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.  
• Availability and willingness to work varied work schedules and work environments  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE   

• High School Diploma or GED and some specialized training beyond High School  
• One year of related work experience  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS    

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• On occasions, considerable physical effort related to traveling on public transportation from one job site to another, sometimes with individuals with disabilities.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT    

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• A few unpleasant conditions routinely present related to the worksites at which contacts are made.  
• Some stress due to intermittent or cyclical workload.  
• Seasonal exposure to unpleasant weather  
• Shift may be extended to cover the health and safety needs of the program participants as emergencies or other situations demand.  
• May be required to work nights and weekends  

Rate $19.50