Employment Specialist I
Sherwood Community Services, Burlington, WA, United States
Description
The Employment Specialist 1 supports Sherwood’s mission by assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in community paid employment and building relationships that are consistent with their goals. The position is responsible for facilitating good working relationships between Case Resource Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, the client, prospective employers, and community programs to ensure strong, natural work support and a smooth transition to employment and community settings. The specialist will provide follow‑along services for participants working in community jobs and at job sites to help train both the participant and the employer on effective communication techniques, overcoming barriers to successful job performance, assessing workplace safety, and developing natural supports in the workplace.
Requirements ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Engage participants and family in the intake process, discover job seekers’ skills and support needs, and collaborate on a good job match for the participant, connecting to other community resources as appropriate.
Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods, and strategies to achieve those goals.
Create video resumes.
Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships.
Provide feedback to participants regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations, and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis, and training.
Provide on‑site job training and support to participants at the workplace regarding job duties, policies, and procedures in collaboration with the employer. Provide travel training if the job seeker requires assistance in transportation.
Provide support and training to employers to facilitate a reduction in the need for paid support and the integration of the supported employee into the regular work routine of the business. Troubleshoot issues and concerns that arise at the job site and work with the employer and participant to maintain a positive and successful working relationship.
Maintain excellent communication with the participant, their circle of support, the referring agency, and other involved parties such as residential providers regarding progress on and outcomes of the employment plan.
Provide environmental analysis; assist employers to identify, modify, and/or eliminate architectural, procedural, and attitudinal barriers to better accommodate the employability needs of supported employees.
Secure job performance feedback from the employer and make appropriate adjustments to the individual’s employment service plan to enhance job performance.
Assure authorizations are kept current and notify the counselor/caseworker if any changes are needed in the Career Path Plan.
Electronically submit all client case notes/reports, mileage, and hours worked within 24 hours.
Identify and participate in community functions, training opportunities, seminars, and training sessions for program participants.
Responsible for maintenance of case records for 10‑12 clients and files following all HIPAA guidelines and agency procedures.
Create and maintain an up‑to‑date schedule using Outlook Calendar, accounting for all hours worked and tracking client service hours.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
An approved track in obtaining a high school diploma or the equivalent; an associate’s degree preferred.
Experience
One year’s experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Other required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
High level of professionalism in appearance, actions, communication, and business casual dress attire.
Time management in arriving to work on time, providing clients with maximized hours, completing daily paperwork, reports, and submitting timesheet and mileage.
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality in written and oral communication.
Current CPR and First Aid Certificate.
Ability to multitask and prioritize client services and job duties while maintaining flexibility in schedule.
Effective oral and written skills for case notes, reports, facilitation, meetings, and marketing.
Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Outlook).
Positive attitude and ability to be a team player.
Ability to remain accountable while working independently.
Ability to pass DSHS criminal background check.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation with insurance coverage sufficient to cover potential liability, ability to drive to numerous appointments/sites each workday, and an acceptable three‑year motor vehicle report.
EQUIPMENT USED
Computer with basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Phone.
iPad.
May be required to use equipment in client workplaces for training purposes.
MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS Mental Effort
Ability to read, write, and use a computer according to agency policies.
Organization and daily planning.
Travel and traffic.
Prioritization.
Multitasking.
Meeting deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, at times exceeding 4 hours.
Candidate must be comfortable with intermittent driving, responsibilities which may involve up to 4 hours of travel in a single day.
Must be able to walk up to 4 hours per workday.
Periodic and extended periods of time sitting.
Must be able to lift to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions
Indoors, outdoors exposure to heat/cold inclement weather.
Ability to concentrate in noisy or distracting environments.
Frequent driving, up to 45 minutes each way.
Sitting, standing, and walking.
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Requirements ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Engage participants and family in the intake process, discover job seekers’ skills and support needs, and collaborate on a good job match for the participant, connecting to other community resources as appropriate.
Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods, and strategies to achieve those goals.
Create video resumes.
Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships.
Provide feedback to participants regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations, and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis, and training.
Provide on‑site job training and support to participants at the workplace regarding job duties, policies, and procedures in collaboration with the employer. Provide travel training if the job seeker requires assistance in transportation.
Provide support and training to employers to facilitate a reduction in the need for paid support and the integration of the supported employee into the regular work routine of the business. Troubleshoot issues and concerns that arise at the job site and work with the employer and participant to maintain a positive and successful working relationship.
Maintain excellent communication with the participant, their circle of support, the referring agency, and other involved parties such as residential providers regarding progress on and outcomes of the employment plan.
Provide environmental analysis; assist employers to identify, modify, and/or eliminate architectural, procedural, and attitudinal barriers to better accommodate the employability needs of supported employees.
Secure job performance feedback from the employer and make appropriate adjustments to the individual’s employment service plan to enhance job performance.
Assure authorizations are kept current and notify the counselor/caseworker if any changes are needed in the Career Path Plan.
Electronically submit all client case notes/reports, mileage, and hours worked within 24 hours.
Identify and participate in community functions, training opportunities, seminars, and training sessions for program participants.
Responsible for maintenance of case records for 10‑12 clients and files following all HIPAA guidelines and agency procedures.
Create and maintain an up‑to‑date schedule using Outlook Calendar, accounting for all hours worked and tracking client service hours.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education
An approved track in obtaining a high school diploma or the equivalent; an associate’s degree preferred.
Experience
One year’s experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Other required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
High level of professionalism in appearance, actions, communication, and business casual dress attire.
Time management in arriving to work on time, providing clients with maximized hours, completing daily paperwork, reports, and submitting timesheet and mileage.
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality in written and oral communication.
Current CPR and First Aid Certificate.
Ability to multitask and prioritize client services and job duties while maintaining flexibility in schedule.
Effective oral and written skills for case notes, reports, facilitation, meetings, and marketing.
Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Outlook).
Positive attitude and ability to be a team player.
Ability to remain accountable while working independently.
Ability to pass DSHS criminal background check.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation with insurance coverage sufficient to cover potential liability, ability to drive to numerous appointments/sites each workday, and an acceptable three‑year motor vehicle report.
EQUIPMENT USED
Computer with basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Phone.
iPad.
May be required to use equipment in client workplaces for training purposes.
MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS Mental Effort
Ability to read, write, and use a computer according to agency policies.
Organization and daily planning.
Travel and traffic.
Prioritization.
Multitasking.
Meeting deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, at times exceeding 4 hours.
Candidate must be comfortable with intermittent driving, responsibilities which may involve up to 4 hours of travel in a single day.
Must be able to walk up to 4 hours per workday.
Periodic and extended periods of time sitting.
Must be able to lift to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions
Indoors, outdoors exposure to heat/cold inclement weather.
Ability to concentrate in noisy or distracting environments.
Frequent driving, up to 45 minutes each way.
Sitting, standing, and walking.
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