EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

About the role

The Help Group is seeking a high energy, attention to detail, well organized full-time Employment Specialist at our Sherman Oaks Campus! Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with DOR Consumer, Program Coordinator, DOR SVRC-QRP, parent(s), therapist, teachers, and/or other involved or appropriate supports, to ensure more successful outcomes for DOR Consumers
• Surveys the community labor market to identify the types of jobs that appear to be within the capacity of DOR participants.
• Trains and supports participant in preparation to be placed in Work Experience setting.
• Monitors and evaluates the DOR participants in work experience, conducts on-site job visitations of DOR participants.
• Communicates with employers during students' employment and reports results to appropriate staff and/or faculty.
• Provides input to monthly progress notes that are submitted to the DOR counselor
• Keep Program Coordinator informed of all relevant factors relating to the DOR Consumer and training needs.
• Participates in all contract-related and required meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions.
• Conduct job clubs as directed by the Vocational Director.
• Collect client satisfaction questionnaires on a quarterly basis.
• Maintain client information in a confidential manner.
• Maintain client charts in a responsible manner and meet all paperwork deadline requirements.
• Maintain productivity rate at required program standards.
• Be certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and use these procedures as needed according to agency policy for situation control in a crisis.
• Under supervision of the Vocational Director, maintain effective job development and coaching methods.
• Determine a work plan for consumers and all activities relating to job placement.
• Identify potential community employers and make presentations.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with agency staff, clients, community organizations, and outside employers.
• Prepare analysis of work environment and general requirements.
• Review client assessments for job match including clients adaptive behaviors, family/caretaker attitudes; transportation issues, the clients willingness to work, and other relevant factors.
• Select and place students in part time and full time paid employment both on campus and at off campus worksites.
• Maintain all job records.
• Obtain information from employer regarding client's performance.
• Develop and implement plan for fading from work sites.

The Help Group offers wonderful training opportunities, a supportive, professional work environment and great benefits, including:

• 100% Employer-sponsored Health Insurance Plan
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vacation and Sick Leave

Qualifications

• B.A. degree required, bilingual Spanish Speakers strongly encouraged to apply.
• Education and experience in mental health, social services, business or related field.
• Two years continuous work experience working with young adults (ages 16-22) with disabilities or mental health challenges.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.