Part-Time Employment Specialist Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudon Counties

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF POSITION:

The Employment Specialist gathers assessment information regarding vocational interests skills and abilities; develops individual employment placements within the community and provides on-site and off-site support to individuals in community-based employment.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Assess readiness skills and abilities of clients to gain employment.
• Assess and evaluate skill strengths and deficits in work performance.
• Complete Employment Needs Assessments and develop person-centered Individual Recovery Plans for employment for each person on caseload.
• Provide skill teaching and support to assist clients with getting and keeping employment.
• Provide assistance in transportation education and travel training.
• Partner with clients to explore job opportunities and gain employment of choice.
• Educate clients on how work impacts benefits and entitlements.
• Assist clients on making an informed decision about disclosure in the workplace and reasonable accommodations.
• Design and assist in implementation of environmental modifications/workplace accommodations.
• Educate area employers regarding the benefits of supported employment and the role of a job coach.
• Match client skills and needs with employer needs.
• Prepare and orient clients to new workplace and make regular employer site visits as requested.
• Monitor clinical status and provide follow-up support and counseling.
• Routinely liaison and collaborate with other care-providers and/or treatment team.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain and effectively manage individual caseload as determined by program needs.
• Maintain clinical records as and complete all billing requirements in a timely manner.
• Market employment services to business community and cold call businesses to know about job opportunities.
• Represent staff in agency and/or community-based workgroups to enhance services provided within and related to employment services for target population as needed.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills and accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions responds to management direction and keeps commitments
• Meets attendance punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict not blaming and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit and exhibits objectivity and openness to others views

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree with significant work-related experience preferred.
• High degree of empathy toward the clients we serve.
• Effective interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in computer procedures relevant to this position.

Required Experience:

IC