Establishment Project Employment Specialist

Description

The caseload of the Establishment Project Employment Specialist I consists only of VR (Vocational Rehab) applicants or eligible individuals. The staff will have a minimum caseload ratio of 1:10 and cannot be more than a 1:20 ratio. The person will work in coordination with employed individuals, Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) members, other staff, family members, and other agency staff as well as co-workers.

This coordination includes the training and necessary on-going support activities needed for individuals with disabilities to maintain employment. Assists and supports assigned individuals in learning job duties and good work habits, developing positive relationships with employers and co-workers as well as assisting with establishing employment related support outside the human service system.

• Conducts self professionally with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.
• Conducts self professionally with truth, accuracy, fairness and responsibility.
• Upholds the Core Values and Code of Conduct of the organization and commits to these standards in daily practice.
• Fosters and supports a person-centered thinking atmosphere.
• Provides VR applicants or eligible individuals served with on-the-job training and employment related support to retain employment including any necessary job adaptations or accommodations.
• Conducts ongoing reviews of supported employee’s performance including the satisfaction of the employer.
• Completes and submits all required documentation per specifications of the Manager of Community Job Link.
• Meets productivity minimum of 85% billable hours (34 hours per 40-hour week) and placement requirements as determined by the Manger of Community Job Link.
• Completes and submits all required documentation required to meet Vocational Rehabilitation, BDDS, Medicaid Waiver standards and any other funding or regulatory source requirements.
• Maintains files of individuals served in accordance with the agency’s Record:
  Maintenance, Retention and Transfer Policy and Procedures. Assures that documents are filed daily along with regular communication with VR counselors.
• Maintains satisfaction of individuals served including employers, IDT members, VR staff, and BDDS staff as evidenced by results of satisfaction surveys.
• All Employment Specialists are required to attend and complete BIN training (Benefits Information Training) through IU, Bloomington by the conclusion of their first year of employment.
• Completes professional development trainings and collaborations to provide increasing quality of services.

• Ability to apply vocational principles to solve practical problems.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with all staff to carry out the person supported plan.
• Ability to work cooperatively and supportively with community employers and families.
• Ability to maintain appropriate relationships with people served, families and providers, i.e. maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, and treating them with respect and dignity.
• Ability to perform with a minimum of supervision. Uses correct judgement, initiative, and flexibility to meet job requirements.
• Ability to represent The Arc of Evansville professionally in the community by developing effective work relationships with internal and external contacts (i.e., verbally, written, attitudinal). Promotes a positive relationship and attitude among others by serving as a role model; interacts in an attentive, courteous, and timely manner.
• Ability to work daily with people who may exhibit potentially aggressive behavior.
• Basic language, written, math, and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to support people served.

• Must be able to work in a variety of community settings which may require sitting, standing, stooping for extended periods of time.

• Requires the ability to hear, see, talk, read, and write on a constant basis.
• Frequent keyboarding on computer.
• Routine walking.
• Infrequent bending.
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• May be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, as well as inclement weather.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, social work, special education, or related field preferred.
• Significant experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in the human service field helpful.
• Ability to deal with a variety of behaviors that may limit successful employment.
• Completes training as required by agency and funding sources.
• Maintains certification for First Aid and CPR.
• Must pass a Department of Motor Vehicles…