Employment Specialist (Non-Profit) - Queens

About the role

Ahrc

New York City is seeking an Employment Specialist (ES) for their Queens Employment Business Services (EBS) Division. This position is responsible for developing relationships within the business sector that will result in employment and internship opportunities for job seekers. The ES is expected to develop and maintain positive relationships with employers, job seekers and their families, and staff.

The ES is responsible to meet the requirements of all contracts to which he/she is assigned and to adhere to all compliance requirements. Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year....plus a comprehensive Benefit package. See Benefit information below. Essential

Responsibilities

Work with job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to determine skills, conditions for success, and interests through person centered practices, including Discovery, Community Engagement activities, and Customized Employment.

Create and maintain excellent relationships with people supported, their circle of support, and community partners for the purpose of preparing for and maintaining success in employment. Set up and facilitate employment planning meetings for job seekers and their team. Network with potential employers. Develop employment opportunities for individual job seekers. Conduct informational interviews and tours with local businesses.

• Assist job seekers with developing resumes and completing job applications.
• Negotiate wages and accommodations (such as assistive technology and visual schedules) for job seekers.
• Support job seekers to develop their self-advocacy skills and natural support networks through the employment process and into job maintenance.
• Teach business etiquette - individual or small class.

• Provide initial job coaching to help the person supported learn his/her role.
• Conduct regular follow-up visits with employees and employers to ensure the job is going well (provide additional coaching or other interventions if needed).
• Maintain individual files and funding source reporting requirements.

• Ensure program remains in compliance with New York State regulations, Department of Labor regulations, Federal, and Workforce Investment Act. Follow all OPWDD-ETP-SEMP-requirements; including appropriate service delivery and billing as assigned.
• Provide top quality customer service to people supported before and after job placements and to employers who hire them, in coordination with the Development Team, other AHRC staff, and community partners. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, with preference in field of education, human services or counseling, or related fields.
• Master's degree desirable.
• Minimum of two years working with the developmentally disabled population preferred.
• Experience or strong capacity in instructing/mentoring program participants, with prior work exposure in teaching or training individuals highly desirable.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people supported, families, employers, funding sources, Care Coordinators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to organize work of self and others, as well as work independently as needed.
• NYS Driver's License in good standing, preferred.