· Assist individuals in the program in obtaining and maintaining competitive work.
· Remain flexible and adaptive to the schedules and needs of the individuals being served.
· Fully participate in all service planning meetings for individuals receiving services and coordinate with sponsoring agencies to maximize vocational potential of each individual receiving service.
· Job Development including job carving to maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be employed with community employers.
· Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation and information including files, progress notes (within 30 days of current date), records and reports on persons being served in program. Maintain data in databases, files and provide all reports or information as requested by DECI or funding sources.
· Accompany individuals to job interviews and assist in completing applications and communicating all necessary qualifications.
· Successfully job match individuals to jobs in their community, meeting assigned placement goals for the year.
· Analyze job duties and tasks and complete a thorough job task analysis on all new placements. Task analysis will be used to develop task sequences and train individuals on new jobs.
· Develop and implement job training and appropriate interventions to achieve vocational goals as defined in each individual’s plan. This may include demonstrating and/or performing various types of work.
· Provide training opportunities that promote good work ethic, work attitude and current work skills to assist individuals in achieving competitive success.
· Assist individuals in mastering skills and meeting competitive standards.
· Comply with all applicable rules, requests, and regulations of DECI, CARF, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and area Mental Health.
· Provide training, support and intervention to employer, employer's staff and DECI staff.
· Maintain effective and professional communication with clients, parents, advocates, sponsoring agencies, employers and their employees, DECI staff and administration.
· Seek out accommodations and or assistive technology necessary to optimize vocational achievement.
· Host weekly Job Club meetings to reinforce job seeking skills and competitive work habits and leads, share job leads, discuss and provide support for job seekers and those employed competitively.
· Attend required training and maintain necessary certifications.
· Other duties as assigned
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS
· Make or suggest referrals to appropriate services and act as an advocate for individuals receiving services.
· Provide limited transportation and assist trainees in making independent transportation arrangements.
· Take an active role in area organizations to advance or promote employment of people with disabilities.
· Maintain certification in First Aid, CPR and North Carolina behavior intervention techniques
· Seek out information and associations to remain current with industry practices and methodology.
· Substitute for other Program Services Staff as requested.
· Participate in DECI-sponsored training as assigned and assist with training new staff.
· Hours will vary depending on job training schedules and may require working nights and weekends by flexing time spent at DECI or in job development during the day. Staff will be required to carry a cell phone or pager to be accessible to employers and individuals being supported when those individuals are working.
· Associates degree required or a related four-year degree preferred; may substitute equivalent related work experience in field such as social work, counseling, education, or vocational rehabilitation.
· Four years successful work experience in a related industry.
· Ability to become certified in nonrestrictive behavior intervention techniques (NCI-A).
· Strong analytical and organizational skills as demonstrated by past performance. Ability to collect, organize and analyze information.
· Excellent communication skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people of all levels.
· Good writing skills and proper use of grammar.
· An understanding of basic behavior modification and task-training techniques.
· An understanding of confidentiality and the rights of people with disabilities.
· Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions independently, plan and organize work.
· Excellent organizational skills. Must be able to schedule and prioritize assignments and juggle multiple tasks. Must have initiative. Flexibility in work and thought is important.
· Fluency in English language to facilitate communication with individuals with disabilities.
· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Computer Skills: Good computer skills with Microsoft Word and familiarity with Microsoft Access needed
Other Requirements: U.S. Citizen or U.S. work qualification