Workforce Development Specialist

Overview

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing support and guidance to individuals in their pursuit of employment and plays a crucial role in helping individuals achieve meaningful employment and promote their independence and inclusion within the workforce. This fee-for-service role will be based in Altoona Area covering various shifts, including overnights. This is a great opportunity to supplement your current income.

• Assessments and Individualized Planning - Assess skills and develop individualized plans to assist individuals in obtaining/maintaining employment.
• Develop a career pathway.
• Job Development and Placement - Address any barriers/ potential barriers to employment, assist with job searching skills, resume writing, interviewing/social skills, and workplace behavior.
• Job Coaching and Support - Provide on the job support, provide strategies, teach skills, and promote workplace integration.
• Training and Support - Provide support to employers and assist with any workplace accommodations.
• Collaboration and Coordination - Collaborate with the individual, employers, planning teams, families, and community organizations.
• Advocate - Advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in the workforce.
• Progress Monitoring - Implement strategies to monitor progress.
• Provide Documentation - Document services delivered. Ensure notes are accurate and descriptive.
• Maintain contact with individual support teams.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in employment services.
• Receive ACRE certification
• Must use personal vehicle for position

• Daily Pay -- access your pay when you need it!
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• Voluntary limited benefits offered through the American Worker. Offerings include limited
  * medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. (
  * not a substitute for major medical insurance).
• Access to  for backup childcare, elder care, and household services (for FFS employees working at least 170 hours per quarter).
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Enjoy our On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year.  to watch a video about Merakey.

Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

• Verifiable High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have a Valid Driver's License.
• Receive ACRE certification within 6 months of starting.
• Must use their own vehicle for position