Employment Specialist - CDD (Remote w/in IA)
Employment Specialist - CDD (Remote w/in IA)
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Job Description
The Employment Specialist will develop partnerships with and provide technical assistance to vocational rehabilitation agencies employment associations community rehabilitation programs partners (CRPs) and local businesses to build systems capacity for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities as well as contributing to state-level initiatives to improve Iowas system of employment-related supports and services. This position will also work directly with individuals with disabilities enrolled in the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program to locate employment opportunities within the community. Outreach activities will be conducted to promote employment options for MFP participants as well as other Iowans with disabilities. Requires the ability to travel throughout the state including overnight and the ability to maintain a home office with an email/internet-capable smartphone and high-speed internet. State vehicle provided.
This position is eligible forremotework within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with theremote work program and related policiesandemployee travel policy when working at a remote location.
This is a specified term position funded through March 31 2026 with a strong likelihood of being extended.
- Work with local CRPs to improve their capacity to provide job development activities for MFP individuals. The Employment Specialist may take the lead but will partner with a local CRP for continuity and mentoring/technical assistance.
- Establish relationships with local vocational rehabilitation offices and local county/region administrative offices to locate additional available resources and support individuals in the MFP program. This includes:
- Providing education technical assistance and leadership to model and partner with CRPs for the provision of best practice job developing techniques
- Recommending provider incentives necessary for CRPs to become engaged in providing competitive employment options.
- Identifying barriers CRPs face with providing employment services and assistance with finding solutions.
- Identify and report to Program Manager any macro- and micro- trends impacting employment for people with disabilities and potential strategies to address barriers.
- Partner with local CRPs to identify gaps and needs and provide education and technical assistance to area businesses on employment of people with disabilities and information on providing workplace accommodations.
- Partner with local CRPs and state provider associations to promote competitive/supported employment options for people transitioning out of facilities into the community.
- Assure benefits planning for individuals enrolled in MFP program is completed when appropriate by linking individuals with local benefit planners and/or partnering with Work Incentive Coordinators.
- Work with the team of transition specialists to serve individuals in the MFP program if needed helping to identify and prioritize those who have the greatest need for employment options technical assistance.
- Work directly with local CRPs to provide technical assistance for serving the individuals enrolled in the MFP program to engage in employment discovery activities. This may include self-employment options and self-direction options for individuals.
- Serve as an active member in various local state and national employment associations as well as business associations such as Associated for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) and Employment First.
- Develop and maintain a caseload tracking system.
- May assist Program Manager with decisions related to hiring MFP staff including participating in interview and selection processes.
- Assist Program Manager in training new staff in their roles and responsibilities for the MFP program.
- May provide direction and coaching to support staff in their effort to assist with administrative duties.
- Manages UI procurement card. May use p-card to make durable good purchases for clients. Managers complex reconciliation of receipts and p-card statements to meet monthly deadline.
- Identify budget needs for implementation and/or development of the service and report them to the Program Manager.
- Participate in budget planning for this area as needed.
- Document the number of contacts made with the various employment partners and the outcomes of such contacts on a regular basis with the MFP team.
- Prepare annual and periodic reports on MFP employment activities.
- Develop and maintain outcomes tracking system to share with stakeholders and the MFP team on a regular basis.
- Report to stakeholders at semi-annual meetings regarding employment activities and relevant data.
- Lead strategic planning efforts within the scope of employment services work under the direction of the Program Manager.
The Center for Disabilities and Developmentis dedicated to improving the health and independence of people with disabilities and creating a life with opportunities for a multi-disciplinary center of excellence The CDD integrates a broad array of clinical services in one location including developmental and behavioral pediatrics nursing speech-language pathology occupational and physical therapy psychology social work education and audiology and thus provides an ideal environment for patient care education and clinical team works with patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder autism spectrum disorder behavior disorders cerebral palsy cognitive disorders Down syndrome Fragile X and spina bifida. Families who come to our clinic often have complex needs which is why CDD uses a team approach bringing together the right experts to help families find answers. At the heart of each team are the patient and family. For more information please visit Level: 4A
Professional and Scientific Pay Structures University Human Resources - The University of Iowa
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in a human services business marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3 years of administrative supervisory and program experience which includes experience working with individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns including experience as a job developer placement counselor or habilitation counselor or in a similar position.
- Ability to network and develop partnerships with businesses local employers and groups of public and private entities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal state local and private employment funding options for people with disabilities.
- Valid Drivers License plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standards (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V Chapter 19) and ability to travel extensively across the state.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Masters degree in a related Field.
- Job Development or Supported Employment Certification from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators or a similar accredited organization.
- Experience working with University of Iowa policies and procedures.
- Some (6 months or more) experience in public speaking technical writing and/or teaching.
Application Process:
In order to be considered applicants must upload a resume and cover letter (check the box for required attachment) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Please contact with questions.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Contract
