Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist Reports to: VR Manager Direct Reports: This is not a supervisory position, although Employment Specialists may occasionally assign work and provide technical direction to program staff members. Salary: Starting at $25.00/hr + Bonus) FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-exempt Pacific Opportunities assists individuals who experience a barrier to employment. Typically, that barrier is an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). We aim to help our clients find and maintain competitive, integrated employment. Job Summary: The Employment Specialist is the senior team member who helps maintain a caseload of clients who experience an I/DD. This includes managing job coaching, job development, and pre-employment services. Specifically, the specialist provides one-on-one assistance tailored to the client's needs by providing direct support for people with disabilities in their workplace to help them be successful at work. The support needs differ depending on the individual. Job coaching includes helping clients manage their work schedules, navigating workplace computer systems to access pay stubs or request time off, speaking with managers to advocate for accommodations, and checking in to get feedback on performance. It also includes attending orientations, helping clients learn their job duties, and working with them on-site to perform the tasks of their job. Job development includes identifying opportunities for supported employment roles at companies, assessing the job requirements and location to match our client’s needs, barriers, and expectations, and assisting with all aspects of “carving out” opportunities and engagement with the employer. It also involves face-to-face interview preparation and attending job interviews with our clients. Maintaining accurate records that reflect an engaged and timely approach to job development is another crucial component. Core Responsibilities: Provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders. This includes communicating with all involved parties, including but not limited to clients, employers, coworkers, VR counselors, service coordinators/personal agents Schedule management for clients and yourself Coordinate internally between staff and management Work with Gmail, iPhone (iMessage), Word, Excel, and comparable applications in Google Drive Manage a company email account. Management is defined as the ability to review and respond to all emails on time. If an email exceeds one's ability to handle, engage a direct supervisor for assistance. Complete all mandatory required annual trainings (12+ hours of online coursework) Manage a caseload of clients for face-to-face job coaching. Management is defined as the ability to engage with the client’s direct supervisor to coordinate shifts Once a client is placed, ensure the employer's needs are met by utilizing proper job coaching techniques for job retention Connect with employers to ensure long-term success Manage a caseload of job development clients. Management, at a minimum, is defined as the ability to create a plan for placement in competitive employment. This includes meeting with hiring managers and employers to learn about hiring needs and positions in their companies, completing and managing job applications, and following up to advocate for interviews Develop training plans for clients Meet with clients to practice typical and targeted interview questions Advocating with employers for accommodations as needed to address each client's barriers Provide specialized services such as Career Exploration Produce organized, concise, and grammatically correct notes for each client at the end of each workday as well as reports as needed Additional duties as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Independent, reliable, and capable of managing a schedule with minimal supervision Patient and understanding of each client's specific needs/disabilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills; English fluency Organizational skills and the ability to maintain records in our online database are a must, as this position requires the completion of administrative reports and maintenance of client records Minimum of one year of experience with adults who experience barriers to employment, specifically intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD); and/or a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling or special education; and/or one year of human services-related experience Knowledge of supported employment processes and procedures Established work history (1+ years), preferably in retail, food service, or other customer-facing positions Strong interpersonal skills; must interact with and get along with others in the workplace Ability to pass an ODHS background check. Disqualifying conditions: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/BUSINESS-SERVICES/CHC/Documents/HR-PDQ-Convictions-Conditions.pdf. Team driven and able to work well with direction from both client's supervisors and Company management Must have reliable transportation, the ability to travel throughout the Portland Metro area, and a valid driver’s license The goal is to provide each client with a level of service that helps them succeed; therefore, occasional evenings and weekends may be required Preferred Qualifications: College coursework with an emphasis on oral and written communication skills Verified job placement experience within the last four years Experience in public relations and/or technical writing Physical Requirements: Must be able to: Move freely throughout the client’s worksites Sit and/or stand for extended periods Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a printer Accurately exchange information via verbal and written communication Pacific Opportunities is an equal-opportunity employer. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $25.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: Day shift Evening shift Monday to Friday Morning shift Weekends as needed Application Question(s): Do you have a reliable personal vehicle for daily use? Are you available to work occasional nights and weekends (this is required)? Education: High school or equivalent (Required) Experience: Workforce development: 1 year (Preferred) Working with people with developmental disabilities: 1 year (Required) License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person