Job Purpose

The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with the Adult Services Program Coordinator and other VIA team members to support individuals as they learn, perform, and maintain their job duties. The Employment Specialist will help job seekers develop both specific job tasks and interpersonal skills that are necessary to be successful in the workplace. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Setup and Planning: 

• Ensures that adult participants are clocked in and out as soon as they arrive and leave, respectively 
• Sets up materials and learning environments for adult participants’ success
• Assists in creating, organizing, and maintaining individual’s materials and work responsibilities
• Assists with coordinating schedules and transportation for the individuals served

Daily Instruction

• Ensures that each adult participant is actively engaged and making progress towards their individualized program goals and objectives
• Supports individuals in competitive employment using systematic instructional techniques, compensatory strategies, job adaptation/modification and positive reinforcement strategies
• Provides supports as outlined in the individual’s service plan
• Uses evidence-based practices during program implementation
• Takes advantage of natural teaching opportunities
• Implements behavior support plans (BSP) and/or specific protocols accurately when applicable
• Monitors and evaluates work performance by collecting skill acquisition and production data 
• Communicates information from individuals, employers, and coworkers with supervisor (I am unclear about the title of job coach in this sentence)
• Collaborates with employers and coworkers to develop natural supports in the work environment to increase the individual’s independence 
• Assists adult participants in managing valuables including money and personal belongings on the job site
• Safely transports participants 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
• Facilitates monthly job-site supervisor input and evaluations for individuals receiving employment services. 
• Writes monthly and quarterly reports as assigned by supervisor 
• Maintains required documentation for each individual 
• Participates in team meetings with the individual, caregivers, DARS counselors, support coordinators, etc. as needed

Communication

• Participates in team meetings, case reviews, and all staff meetings as requested
• Coordinates and collaborates with other members of each adult participant’s multidisciplinary treatment team
• Communicates with supervisor about individual participant needs requiring further support or troubleshooting 
• Reports supply needs and inventory status to the supervisor in a timely manner (e.g., first aid, emergency supplies, reinforcer supplies, program supplies, van maintenance/gasoline, etc.)
• Regularly communicates with all participants, employers, and stakeholders to foster positive relationships and high satisfaction with program communication. 
• Responds to all participant, guardian, and stakeholder communications in a timely manner (e.g. return phone calls, respond to emails) as directed by supervisor 

Professionalism 

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to include periodic nights, evenings, and weekends
• Arrives on time for work
• Shows flexibility to change
• Has a positive attitude towards adult participants, staff, employers, and community members
• Adheres to safety protocols
• Makes prudent use of sick/personal 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 may assume the following responsibilities as assigned by the Adult Services Program Coordinator as part of their professional development:

• Assist with intakes 
• Observe and learn to provide other supported employment services such as situational assessments, job-site training, and follow-along
• Commitment to professional growth opportunities including RBT and/or ACRE Certification

Position Type 

This is a full-time position. 

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

• Associate’s Degree preferred; high school degree or equivalent required 
• At least 1 year of experience working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders
• Experience providing employment or community-based services is preferred
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Access to approved personal vehicle on a daily basis for transporting individuals to and from employment 

Direct Reports

This job does not have direct reports.

Physical Requirements

The ability to move independently throughout a wide range of environments, some of which may not be accessible for individuals with  mobility challenges, is required. Independent transportation to locations that may not be served by public transportation may be necessary.