EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Full Time - Menomonie Area

JOB SUMMARY: An Employment Specialist works with community businesses/employers and partners to expand competitive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The primary responsibilities of this position include working with a person-centered focus model in all of the following areas: case management, mentoring, job placement, career exploration, retention, long-term support management, developing partnerships, marketing agency services, meeting community business needs, assisting in self-advocacy, etc. It’s important for the Employment Specialist to know about goal setting, labor market analysis, disability, accommodations, communication, and job search tools.

QUALIFICATIONS: Degree in Human Services with 2 years of experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or similar field. It is also preferred to have knowledge of and experience working with individuals with mental illness, physical and cognitive disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communication: ability to coordinate meetings with candidates and/or their supports to complete state-required reports and supporting materials. Consult with appropriate supports of the candidates when there are questions regarding: daily living skills, employment abilities and skills, career interests, work experiences, transportation, etc. Be able to receive and provide information verbally, in writing, or electronically without any issues.

• Networking and Building Community Relationships: network and collaborate with community businesses/employers to identify their job needs, share how our candidates’ abilities and skills can assist with their business needs, and ensure both are successful. Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, including counties, state agencies, schools, and community agencies (e.g., DVR, Comprehensive Community Services, CCoT, APSE, Chamber of Commerce).

• Case Management: ability to manage time and multiple different types of caseloads: job placement, mental health/substance abuse, youth, peer support, long-term support, etc. Document activities and services from employer contacts, job leads, meeting outcomes, incidents, meeting dates, communication correspondence, etc.

• Job Placement: contacting prospective employers, placing candidates in jobs, and being the liaison between both employers and candidates to ensure successful long-term employment. Coordinate employability skills, abilities, and career interests through job shadows, internship/temporary work experiences, Skills to Pay the Bills, Explore Works, etc., within the community for persons with disabilities. Identify candidate employment barriers such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, transportation issues, etc., and work with the candidate and/or their supports, including the employer, to develop strategies to overcome these barriers.

• Confidentiality: maintain confidentiality of information regarding all aspects of the program.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: ability to share and combine skills, knowledge, and perspectives of team members to solve problems, contribute to each other’s strengths, meet candidate and/or program goals, and create an atmosphere of mutual support and trust.

• All other duties as assigned

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KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate with candidates, community partners, businesses, agencies, etc.

• Need to have reliable transportation

• Knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives

• Exhibit leadership and teamwork skills

• Ability to use critical thinking to resolve problems

• Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines

• Knowledge of current work and labor market trends

• Ability to type and learn new technology (Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc.)

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking, reaching

• Occasional lifting and carrying of 25lbs to 50lbs