Community Employment Specalist

Under general direction of the Branch Manager, the Community Employment Specialist coordinates all employment planning, vocational assessment including worksite development and training, job development/placement, retention and training of persons served.

On a regular basis, the Community Employment Specialist will have in-person and remote contact with persons served, referral sources, employers, management and team members. The Community Employment Specialist will engage in part or all activities as assigned to support vocational outcomes.

The Community Employment Specialist will be knowledgeable to perform essential functions of this position, including:

• Employment client case management for employment services programs (as assigned):
• Client intake meeting(s) and completion of required intake paperwork.
• Client vocational goal planning: employment plan preparation, discovery/exploration plan preparation.
• Resume creation, job interview preparation and support (in person and virtual).
• Job development/search based on client job goals as defined by the clients IEP (Individualized Employment Plan).
• Job application preparation and assistance.
• Job pre-screen hiring requirement(s) and new hire orientation assistance as needed.
• Coordination of client supports as needed (transportation plan, food handler’s permit, job clothes shopping, etc.).
• Provide situational and performance observations/assessments as needed.
• Coordinate client job exploration activities/experiences in reasonable timeframe.
• Create detailed service plan of job exploration activities and final results report of completed exploration activities.
• Provide recommendations for client supports for community employment potential
• Complete required Vocational Rehabilitation report tracking and report generation for job placement and all additional job retention milestones achieved.
• Billing preparation and submission for each client milestone achieved.
• Client satisfaction survey completion follow-up.
• Cross-trains on other mission-related programs/positions as applicable towards participants’ successful outcome overall (ACCT and Driving programs).
• Relationship management with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from all referring Vocational Rehabilitation offices.
• Employer relationship management, with focus on employers with strong diversity and inclusion hiring programs.
• Internal report and tracking generation to support weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual program and department objectives and outcomes.
• Employment Services department team management towards achievement of agency accreditation (CARF) and licensure to grants standards.
• Participation and completion of Ability KC professional development and culture activities.
• Completion of required continuing education according to vocational rehabilitation and Ability KC guidelines.
• High school and transition student engagement for internships and observations, including career fairs.
• Coordination and management of assigned Summer Work Experience sites.
• Primary or secondary management of specified work programs/contracted employer partnerships.

The Community Employment Specialist may serve as a floater for any Employment Department services functions as needed for all branches. In working with applicable departments and programs, the Community Employment Specialist plans and ensures cross-training continually occurs for growth and succession.

All duties require maintaining patient/client confidentiality as required by Ability KC policy and procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university in a related field to the position responsibilities, including, business, communications, education, human resources, counseling, social services or marketing.
• In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, demonstrated 4-8 years of work-related experience with the position responsibilities, including vocational rehabilitation employment placement services.
• Demonstrated 4-8 years of work-related experience with the position responsibilities, including multiple department support, individual client and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, both within the organization and with external partners.
• Strong organization skills, specifically in the area of individual client management.
• Demonstrated initiative to grow within all aspects of responsibilities.
• Ability to pass a drug screening test/criminal background check.
• Clean driving record and proof of vehicle insurance.
• CPR certification
• Mandt certification
• For TBI client case management: CBIS certification is required (Certified Brain Injury Specialist)

Preferences:

• Experience working within a social services/rehabilitation/health care/education-based organization and knowledge of associated regulatory protocols, electronic medical record systems, and knowledge of medical terminology.
• Experience working and supporting individuals with disabilities, specifically in the area of community employment.
• Experience in providing employment services, including vocational goal planning, basic resume writing, job board exploration and review, job search, job application preparation and assistance, interview preparation and assistance.
• Knowledge and application of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Ability KC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Background and post offer drug screenings required.

Job Type: Full-time