Job Developer

Position - Employment Specialist/Job Developer Reports to:

Program Director Pay Type:

Hourly Position Purpose:

The Employment Specialist will work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental illness seek to out non-traditional employment settings that match the personal interest and abilities of the employment searcher. They will work alongside of the Lead Staff and Employment Trainers to increase the individual's vocational goals. They will be out in the community working on creating employment, paid internships, and volunteer opportunities for the individuals we serve. They will assist in cross training the long-term employment specialist on the individual's specific support needs to make a smooth transition.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide tours to potential individuals who are considering attending
• Evaluate the individual's performance in working towards their goals
• Develops an individualized employment plan with each individual
• Run classes to assist individual's readiness skills training (soft skills) training
• Assisting individuals search for employment options that match their interest and abilities
• Implement programs and adaptations for independence in daily activities required for work readiness
• Facilitate workshops to assist individuals with practicing interviews, resume preparation and filling out applications
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local employers, creating paid internships and long-term employment opportunities for individuals
• Develop a resource base of employers committed to working with the individuals we serve
• Work closely to cross train the long-term employment support agencies of the individuals needs for a smooth transition when they exit our program
• Create on-site and community outings activities associated healthy lifestyle, mental health wellness planning, practicing soft skills and destination training
• Address communication and social demands in the environment including following directions, asking for help, and initiating and concluding conversations
• Assist the individual with achieving the goals identified in their individualized service plan
• Participate in the individual's planning meetings as requested
• Cold calling and visiting businesses to create individualized employment opportunities through a negotiation approach
• Assisting with individuals with employment search planning to determine fields of interest
• Role model for the individual, modeling appropriate behavior and social interactions
• Responsible for documentation of case notes in a concise, professional, and accurate manner
• Greet and assist all individuals and answer incoming calls while assigned to covering the front desk
• Partakes in supervision meetings with a consultant on a weekly, or as needed basis
• Protects privacy and confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual's information and records
• Participate in ongoing training and staff meetings
• May perform other duties as assigned to assure efficiency of the program

Physical Job Functions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.
• Light to moderate lifting up to 10 pounds may be required.
• The role may involve accompanying individuals on outings or activities within the community. This requires the ability to move and travel alongside individuals with various mobility needs.
• May need to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
• May work in different settings, including indoors and outdoors. The ability to adapt to various environments and weather conditions is important.
• Depending on the individuals' communication needs, physical assistance in using communication devices, sign language, or other forms of communication support may be required.
• The ability to maintain accurate records and documentation of individuals' progress, activities, and any incidents may be a part of the job, requiring physical dexterity for writing or computer use. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Training in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid is often a requirement, ensuring the ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
• The demands of this position align with industry standards for similar roles in our field.

Our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive work environment includes the flexibility to discuss and implement reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you have specific concerns or require accommodations to meet these physical requirements, please contact VP, Operations to discuss your needs confidentially.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders. Skills in sourcing jobs, and comfortableness with making cold calls and meeting potential employers. Experience within the services and supports offered in a supported employment agency as well as the support offered at the Department of Rehabilitation and a familiarity with customized employment approach to employment seeking.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy, Sociology, Psychology, or related field preferred from an accredited program. One-year experience in a mental health setting supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, required. Excellent verbal and communication skills. Ability to demonstrate flexibility in work environment, performing a variety of changing tasks. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, effectively interacting with individuals. Candidate must attend a Customized Employment Training prior or after hiring date.

Requirements:

Must have a good driving record, valid California Driver's License. Must successfully pass all pre-employment requirements, including background check, drug screening and physical.

Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Mileage reimbursement On-the-job training Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Describe your experience with job development or employment support services. How do you build relationships with employers in the community? How do you stay organized while managing multiple participants and follow-ups?

Work Location:

In person