- Closing / removal date: open until filled
- Posted: June 5, 2023
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Salary Range: $40,000-$53,000 (Commensurate with Experience)
- Reports to: Regional Vice President
- Location: Ft Myers, Florida
- Position Description: Entry Level Position
Providing specialized employment training for people with disabilities, on an individual basis; assisting with job development, job placement, and on-site training and assessment for persons with disabilities who wish to be part of the “Ticket to Work” program and/or are referred by Vocational Rehabilitation, or, any other agency or person, for placement in and maintaining competitive employment. The main focus is to work with people with disabilities to teach job readiness skills and provide direct one-on-one job coaching as needed. Candidate will work as part of the Project SEARCH team at Lee Memorial Hospital or Golisano Children’s Hospital in a backup role to the Project SEARCH skills trainer and job placing student interns. Candidate will also network with employers, community agencies (local, state, and federal organizations) to ensure a broad base of resources and creating linkages necessary to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities.
In fulfilling her/his responsibilities, the Employment Specialist will:
Employment:
- Develop jobs through networking with potential employers (local agencies, chambers of commerce, job listings, research job boards for leads, community meetings, etc.).
- Provide Job Coaching and Job Development Services.
- Become familiar with each consumer’s vocational knowledge/skills and abilities and complete all necessary paperwork before placement.
- Perform task analysis on potential positions to ensure a proper job match.
- Maintain communication with potential employers and consumers throughout the job search & placement period.
- Serve as an advocate for the consumer at the job site.
- Reduce the level of intervention (job coaching) as the consumer demonstrates proficiency in completing assigned duties independently.
- Develop an independent living plan with the consumer when appropriate and when requested by the consumer. Involvement of the consumers’ significant other when appropriate.
- Document all activities and entry into database for reports required for agency.
- Provide assistive technology assessments for the workplace.
- Participate in all training, which will upgrade those the skills related to employment needs for people with disabilities.
- Provide training for job seekers in the areas of grooming, hygiene, communication, résumé writing, interviewing, and behavior as they relate to successful employment.
- Provides travel training to job sites if necessary.
- Attend trainings to become knowledgeable of strategies and current “best practices” in the field of supported employment.
- Complete billing tasks in accordance with Vocational Rehabilitation Services and other contracted vendors.
- Teach Job Readiness skills to job seekers.
- Assist with VR Career Camps.
- Be willing to work evenings and weekends on occasions as needed.
Advocacy:
- Provide system advocacy assistance and individual advocacy when needed. Encourages self-advocacy through instructional role-playing/role modeling and referral to advocacy training.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:
Minimum Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, social sciences or related field required. 3 years or more experience in job development, recruiting or career development. Experience in providing Vocational Rehabilitation Services such as job counseling and employment training for persons with disabilities or are certified to provide Discovery and Customized Employment Services preferred but not required. Level II Background clearance is required.
Other Skills: Good organizational, presentation and communication skills required. Familiarity with Americans with Disabilities Act, amendments and tax credits that an employer would be eligible for when employing a person with a disability. Should have basic working knowledge of Social Security Disability and Social Supplemental insurance income programs and benefits. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Please send resumes to Stephany Matos-Rodriguez at [email protected]