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EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - OPWDD

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Northeast Ithaca, New York, United States

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Employment Specialist - OPWDD

Location: Ithaca, NY

Department: OPWDD

Employment Type: Full Time, 35 Hours

Salary: $21.00/hour

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga’s Mission is to support all people in need and advocate for social justice and human dignity. We envision a just and compassionate community rooted in love and the dignity of all people. Our objectives are to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable people and to challenge conditions causing poverty and despair.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to express and explore your passion for helping others, then join a team that truly makes a difference DAILY, in people's lives. Don't miss out on being a part of something special!

General Description Provide vocational services to persons enrolled in waiver services. Development and implementation of the various employment services offered through OPWDD. Support and coach staff on required documentation and training through OPWDD.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Provides direct services and support to individuals receiving Pre-Vocational Services, Employment Training Program (ETP), Supported Employment including intensive and follow-along services as indicated in each person’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Employment Plan(s). Direct Services include but not limited to training on and off site, covering social skills, communication skills, travel training, assisting with transportation, personal care, and other areas necessary to enhance individual’s ability to live and work independently in the community

Provides timely reports on individuals’ progress through daily documentation and other means as needed or requested

Learns the eVero database system for recordkeeping

Knows the service plan and safeguards for each individual served

Provides skill training-assistance by learning specific work duties and performance standards for jobs service recipients obtain (e.g., doing the task)

Develops work-related behaviors in service recipients such as time and attendance, dress, communication skills, accepting supervision and travel skills

Assists individuals with job development in the community. Job development includes but not limited to situational assessments, observations, site tours, job shadows in order to assist the individual with identifying what type of job the individual is best suited for and interested in

Acts as liaison between individual, family, employer, co-workers of individuals, and other providers to ensure individuals are receiving the appropriate services

Communicates with supervisors on how to best work with newly placed individuals

Assists the individual acquiring a sense of belonging at the work site, encourage an understanding of and a participation in employee programs, which involves socialization with coworkers

Facilitates the development of positive relationships between individuals and their employers and co- workers

Follows and maintains days and hours of services as assigned, providing safe transportation as needed

Provides outreach to community about the services offered and provided by Catholic Charities

Attends training and other meetings as required

Conducts self in a manner as to always contribute to maximum individual growth and in accordance with all regulations and agency policy and procedures

Attends required trainings through OPWDD and Catholic Charities

Attends staff meetings and other Catholic Charities functions

Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree and one year of experience in rehabilitation placement or related field, and enrollment in a specialized course approved by ACCES-VR; OR

Bachelor’s Degree, enrollment in a specialized course, and enrollment in a Master’s Degree program in vocational rehabilitation counselor or evaluation or related areas; OR

A combination of education and experience which, in the judgement of ACCES-VP, is sustainably equivalent to the standards of this subdivision.

Credentials:

Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle (if required).

Additional Qualifications:

Effective communication and organizational skills required.

Flexibility with assignments and schedule required.

Ability to work independently in individual’s homes and community settings with sound decision making and judgement.

Is a Team player.

Ability to assist a person with vocational support needs, such as breaking down tasks in manageable pieces, modeling the task, redirection, assisting with reasonable accommodations, and facilitating a relationship with the employer and coworkers.

Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCDR’s corporate compliance and ethics program.

Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.

Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.

Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of all records reviewed including client records, employee records and billing records.

Possess a valid NYS Drivers’ License and a driver’s record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.

Continuous use of a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle.

Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.

Top Benefits And Perks

Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan

Generous time off package and work-life balance

Comprehensive benefits package

Supportive and collaborative environment

Opportunities for growth and development

Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact in our community!

Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet

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