Job description

The Opportunity Tree offers a hiring bonus of $1,000!

Position Summary

The Employment Support Specialist provides supported employment services to adults with developmental and other disabilities through various state contracts. This is a new position with The Opportunity Tree (TOT) that will require the person to be passionate and flexible. The Employment Support Specialist will develop, implement and deliver supported employment services and provide general information/outreach/education about supported employment services/resources by fulfilling TOT’s mission, vision, and values.

Services Summary

Supported Employment Services delivers employment services to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through multiple contracts in Phoenix, Maricopa, Avondale, and Casa Grande. Supported Employment services include Transition to Employment, Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS), Career Preparation Readiness, Job Development & Retention, Individual Supported Employment, and Employment Supports. Essentially, services assist individuals to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with Members to complete the job discovery process (including, but not limited to, brainstorming, finding, applying, interviewing, and securing a community job placement) according to individual needs and interests.
• Provide individualized, direct services to individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment through job search skills development, job search assistance, and job placement.
• Provide job support for members who have been placed in competitive integrated employment creating stabilization and enhancing job retention.
• Provide direct support to members to develop positive work-related habits, attitudes, skills, and work etiquette directly related to their individualized employment, as well as assist the member to become a part of the informal culture of the workplace to create inclusion, independence, and success.
• Provide members with individualized instruction, training, and supports to promote skill development for competitive integrated employment.
• Complete recordkeeping and reporting requirements that includes maintaining required daily records and submitting required individualized reports on time according to each service contract.
• Increase opportunities and success of members as they progress into competitive integrated employment by providing employment-related activities for the purpose of preparing members for employment.
• Conduct appropriate skill, behavioral, and vocational assessments to identify Member strengths and capabilities.
• Participate with the member’s planning team to develop an Individualized Training Agreement ensuring informed consent and advocating for the wishes of the member.
• Establish individualized goals with strategies, schedule for implementation, and method of assessing progress that support Member's goal to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.
• Collect appropriate data and reporting methodology that may include documenting, tracking, and maintaining the wages and benefits of each employed member.
• Provide services that are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate to those being served. Ensure communication is accessible.
• Develop relationships with employers to create job matches that match the member's goals, work preferences, and strengths.
• Build and utilize community networks including schools, state agencies, community partners, employers, and families.
• Provide job coach supports to Members in community job placements.
• Attend and represent The Opportunity Tree in Member team meetings. Proactively maintain communication with Members and their support team to ensure program success and progress.
• Collaborate effectively with the Supported Employment Services staff.
• Comply with TOT policies and procedures and maintain all of TOT data systems.
• Advocate with and on behalf of Members to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a voice.
• Maintain a positive work environment and collaborative working relationship with Members, staff, families/caregivers, government agencies, and people from various funding sources.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of members and adhere to OSHA Standards and all other safety standards
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information of Members and The Opportunity Tree.
• Promote and maintain a collaborative and respectful working environment and a line of communication with all stakeholders of The Opportunity Tree. Other job duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum of 18 years of age.

• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Current valid driver’s license with Non-Restricted Motor Vehicle Record and compliance per the requirements of The Opportunity Tree’s insurance carrier and reliable transportation.
• Successfully meet AZ-DPS requirements for Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Successful completion and maintain all required training which may include CPR, First Aid, and Prevention and Support.
• Training or work experience in disability awareness which may include deafness, blindness, physical, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, intellectual, developmental, serious mental illness, etc.
• Training or work experience in identifying strengths and capabilities of individuals with disabilities to be successful in employment. This may include recognizing barriers and solutions to those barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from gainful employment.
• Training or work experience in strategies necessary for achieving successful, long-term employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities and how these strategies will lead to improved employment outcomes.
• Training or work experience in work readiness and/or employability skills.
• Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) Certified or Member of Arizona Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
• Experience supporting individuals obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.
• Experience navigating state agencies and providing state-funded services.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services (Vocational Counseling, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, etc.)

Knowledge & Skills

• Intermediate knowledge in MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, web browsing, etc.
• Knowledge of best practices supported employment and community integration for people with disabilities including significant disabilities.
• Knowledge and belief in the Employment First philosophy.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor to represent The Opportunity Tree in the community
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with Members, family members, community partners, and employers.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with clients, staff, families, funders, and key stakeholders and represents TOT positively in the community.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, establishing effective working partnerships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• The ability to utilize data to assist in making financial, strategic, and programmatic decisions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

COVID-19 considerations:
Currently vaccinated against COVID-19 or willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for employment.

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have working with people with disabilities?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

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