Easter Seals Jobs

JOB SUMMARY The Employment Development Specialist plays a vital role in assisting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and adults with other barriers to employment, in securing and maintaining integrated competitive employment within the community. This position involves developing individualized employment plans, providing job coaching and support, and fostering relationships with employers to create inclusive work environments. The specialist serves as an advocate for clients, ensuring they have equal opportunities for meaningful employment and promoting their independence and self-sufficiency.

The employee will also network with referral sources and new referral sources to increase the number of persons supported throughout the year. Must maintain monthly billable hours.

Wage/Salary: $47,132.00 to $50,000 per year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Community Engagement and Networking:

Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Promote awareness of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of employing individuals with IDD.

Participate in community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to expand employment opportunities for clients.

Employment Development:

Responsible for working with employers to create jobs for individuals. Responsible for meeting with employers at least twice a month or as needed to evaluate service delivery and address problems related to service delivery

Assessment and Individualized Planning:

Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' skills, interests, and support needs.

Collaborate with clients and their support network to develop personalized employment plans aligned with their goals and abilities.

Identify potential barriers to employment and develop strategies to address them effectively.

Job Development and Placement:

Actively engage with employers to identify job opportunities suitable for individuals with IDD.

Customize job searches based on clients' preferences and skills.

Facilitate the job application process, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job matching.

Provide ongoing support to clients during the transition into employment, including workplace orientation and initial training.

Job Coaching and Support:

Deliver on-site job coaching to ensure clients' successful integration into the workplace.

Provide individualized support tailored to clients' needs, including task instruction, accommodation advocacy, and social skills development.

Collaborate with employers to create inclusive work environments and foster understanding among coworkers.

Retention and Advancement:

Monitor clients' progress and provide ongoing support to address challenges and promote job retention.

Facilitate communication between clients and employers to address any concerns or accommodations needed.

Identify opportunities for career advancement and skill development, advocating for further training or education as appropriate.

Case Management:

Responsible for individual case management documentation, including intakes, situational assessments, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Responsible for datakeeping about outcome measures. Attend individual meetings and coordinate schedules with the other members of the program services team. Responsible for maintaining documentation for billing and auditing and maintenance of client records. Manage Ticket to Work program including referrals, documentation, job development, retention, and billing. Ongoing effective communication with referral sources and businesses is key to success. Completion of all required billing reports per funder requirements is essential.

Liaison & Outreach:

Assist in establishing and maintaining positive liaison roles with families, local school systems, intellectual disabilities service boards, and employment sites. Assist in developing community education and/or program outreach activities for employers. Serve as liaison with Human Resources/Talent Acquisition, staff, and external and internal candidates with disabilities

Compliance & Reporting:

Assists in oversight of compliance with regulatory requirements for Vocational Rehab funders, Medicaid Waiver, and locally funded clients. Attend individual meetings and interface with other team members to improve individual service and program outcomes. Responsible for data keeping about outcome measures Audit individual files to ensure regulatory compliance and accurate recordkeeping of service delivery. Collect, edit, type, complete, process, file, and distribute recordkeeping documents for individuals’ files for a caseload of up to 30 individuals.

Benefits Planning:

Able to recruit, work with, and bill for Ticket to Work or benefits planning through WISA/ WICA certifications. Must maintain all records in compliance with governing bodies

NOTE The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree, or college-level courses in Human Services, Behavior Management, Psychology, or a related field is preferred. Certified as WIPA/ WISA/ in Virginia or Maryland or certified to do Ticket to Work is highly preferred.

Certifications

• WIPA/WISA in Virginia or Maryland preferred.

• Ticket to Work highly preferred

Software Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Other Skills

• Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation principles, employment laws, and disability rights.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.

• Ability to develop and implement individualized plans in collaboration with clients and their support network.

• Proficiency in assessing job skills, providing coaching, and facilitating workplace accommodations.

• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.

• Experience in job development, employer engagement, or vocational counseling.

• Familiarity with assistive technology and reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

• Bilingual proficiency in languages relevant to the local community.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Work Conditions

• Work is typically performed in a community at various employment sites, as well as in an office setting.

Special Schedule

• Normal schedule is standard business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

• *Flexible hours may be necessary to accommodate clients' schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Travel Demands

• Travel between client and employment sites is required

EXPERIENCE

• Two - four years of experience working with persons with disabilities in a vocational, residential, or recreational program, or from extensive, relevant personal involvements is required. Customer service and sales experience preferred. A valid driver’s license with fewer than -6 points is required. Two - four years of experience working directly with DOL, Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and CARF regulations is required. Experience in behavioral training, placement, and recruiting for individuals with disabilities is preferred. Must be a US Citizen to pass and maintain the required clearances and be able to enter secure government facilities.

• Certified as WIPA/ WISA/ in Virginia or Maryland or certified to do Ticket to Work is highly preferred.

• Customer service experience is required. Three years of experience working directly with Licensing, Medicaid, DARS, and CARF regulations is preferred. A valid driving license with fewer than -6 points is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer