Job Title:                           Employment Specialist                

Department:                      Employment Services

Reports to:                        Employment Services Program Supervisor

Pay:                                  $20.50 hr.

FLSA:                               Non-Exempt, 10-15 hrs/week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Date:                                 October 17, 2024

 

 

 

Purpose of Position- Assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in maintaining competitive integrated employment. The Employment Specialist will assist a participant in learning a job, support with training them on the job and providing support during their employment. They work directly with program participants to support them with on the job tasks, communication skills, social skills, self-advocacy, soft skills and helping them achieve their long-term goals. This includes developing strong relationships with participants, their families, funders, and their employers. Employment Specialists also support in group classes where clients learn about and develop job skills to prepare for employment.

 

 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals with IDD, families, advocates, DVR counselors and employers.
• Travels to participant’s job sites regularly to provide job coaching which involves providing instruction, training, and ongoing support.
• Conduct assessment of employment sites for safety, and accessibility. Based on assessment, work with other Imagine! teams, participant, co-workers and employers to support in creating an inclusive environment.
• Stays in regular communication with employers/supervisors, educate employers/supervisors on working with the I/DD population, advocates for participants' rights and support needs.
• Attends IP, IDT, DVR, and other meetings.
• Encouraging and teaching self-advocacy skills and maintaining positive employer-employee relations by assuring understanding.
• Provides participants with travel training and/or assistance with public transportation.
• Make sound decisions through observing and providing problem solving skills to participants in all employment situations.
• Accurate documentation and keep Job Coach Plan up to date and accurate.
• Works collaboratively with Employment team to create and implement supports and create consistency across all employment members.
• Works collaboratively with team to identify opportunities for additional positions at current job sites and in the community.
• Assumes full responsibility for a caseload of participants, including documenting all services in Setworks and completing reports required by DVR. Completes required paperwork in a timely and organized manner.
• Manages existing employer relationships and follow through on established leads.
• Assists with educating, presenting, and maintaining a job expectation training course for individuals with IDD. 
• Models safe work practices through the utilization of site-specific and company safety procedures.
• Communicates effectively with co-workers and Employment Supervisor regarding pertinent issues, progress and updates.  Consults with managers to create efficiencies and improve work procedures.
• Participates in the execution of our Employment Services mission to Educate, advocate and support adults with I/DD to become self-sufficient, successful members of the community.
• Represents Imagine! Employment Services in an appropriate and effective manner in the community. 

 

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Establishes a strong mentorship with participants by providing quality support, listening and understanding.

• Provides customer service and support to business partners.
• Mentors new staff as assigned.

 

Job Qualifications

 

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:	General knowledge of the developmental disabilities system in Colorado. Basic knowledge of standards and regulations regarding Supported Employment and/or Day Habilitation. Demonstrated skill in working with adults with developmental disabilities in a community and site setting. Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others. Strong planning and organizational skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels. Ability to provide effective training to individuals and groups. Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet-based databases, assistive technology, etc. Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements. This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Training/Education:	Bachelor’s degree in human services field or closely related field required, or One year or more of full-time work experience providing satisfactory job coaching services
Experience:	One year experience working with people with developmental disabilities preferred.
Working Environment/Physical Activities	Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. This job requires standing and walking for up to 6 hours per day. Ability to drive a mini van and a large van with wheelchair lift. Activities take place within community settings.  Requires ability to: Walk and push wheelchairs; support with restroom needs; bend to strap chairs into vehicles; fold and lift wheelchairs; carry supplies, etc.     Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.  Ability to respond to emergency situations as-needed.

 

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. 

 

Imagine! is a nonprofit with a goal of helping people aspire to, and achieve, a fulfilling life of new possibilities by providing support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD). We are located in the Denver / Boulder metro area and support Boulder and Broomfield counties.

OUR MISSION:  Creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.

 

Our services are community-based and mission-driven. We value creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, flexible work schedules, comfortable/casual work environments, and meaningful and rewarding work with friendly, supportive co-workers.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity – Valuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).  We strive to foster a just, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We also recognize the value of diversity within our organization, and want to employ a workforce that effectively supports the diverse communities we serve. Unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, hair style or texture, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by applicable laws is strictly prohibited.