Job Purpose

The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with the Employment Services Supervisor to help adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders learn, accommodate, and perform their work duties. The Employment Specialist will help job seekers develop both specific job tasks and interpersonal skills that are necessary in the workplace. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Setup and Planning

• Provides employment opportunities to job seekers
• Coordinates schedules and transportation for the individuals served
• Assesses the individual’s skills, abilities, and requirements of specific employment situations for the purpose of matching each individual to a job of interest
• Assists job seekers with the application and interview process and coordinates arrangements for job placement
• Develops employment readiness skills with the job seeker

Daily Instruction

• Supports individuals in competitive employment using systematic instructional techniques, compensatory strategies, job adaptation/modification, and positive reinforcement strategies
• Monitors and evaluates work performance by collecting skill acquisition and production data 
• Solicits feedback from job seekers, employers, and coworkers and provides additional training or intervention as needed. 
• Collaborates with the employer and coworkers to develop natural supports in the work environment to increase the individual’s independence 
• Implements behavior support plans as needed
• Safely transports individuals in the community as needed
• Assists with evening and weekend shifts or events as needed (e.g., employment shifts, SPARK Night, etc.)

Documentation and Reporting

• Writes detailed progress notes as required and submits requests for authorizations on time 
• Prepares written reports in the appropriate format for the referral source on a monthly, quarterly, or as-needed basis in a timely manner
• Assists supervisor in developing individual service plan (ISP) goals for each client and ensures that each individual is actively engaged in making progress towards ISP outcomes 
• Maintains required documentation for each client
• Participates in annual planning meetings with clients, caregivers and support coordinators

Individual, Guardian, and Stakeholder Communication

• Regularly communicates with all individuals, guardians, and stakeholders to foster positive relationships and high satisfaction with program communication. 
• Responds to all individual, guardian, and stakeholder communications in a timely manner (e.g. return phone calls, respond to emails) 
• Communicates with employers at local businesses to develop employment opportunities for specific individuals
• Collaborates with Work Incentives Specialist Advocate (WISA) on benefit coordination as needed
• Participates in team meetings on a regular basis

Professionalism 

• Arrives on time for work
• Shows flexibility to change
• Has a positive attitude towards adult participants and staff
• Adheres to safety protocols
• Makes prudent use of General Leave time
• Assists with special projects and assignments as requested
• Takes on additional responsibilities when work is complete
• Assists in keeping common spaces clean and organized
• Accepts feedback and constructive criticism
• Adheres to the mission, vision, and values of VIA

Emerging Responsibilities:

Employment Specialists (Level 1 and 2) may assume the following responsibilities as assigned by the Employment Services Supervisor as part of their professional development:

• Assists with intakes
• Observes and learns to provide other supported employment services such as situational assessments, job-site training, and follow-along
• Participates in annual planning meetings, SIS assessments, DARS meetings

Position Type 

This is a part-time position. This position involves working with adult learners who may exhibit disruptive and/or challenging behavior.

Qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalency required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders or providing employment services is preferred
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekends for Employment Services
• Valid driver’s license required
• Access to approved personal vehicle for transporting individuals to and from employment as needed