Job Description

Don¿t miss this unique opportunity to join our Vocational team without working nights, weekends, or holidays! Become our next Employment Specialist & support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful & valued roles in the community. We provide all needed training on-campus.

As an Employment Specialist, you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of the individuals we support. Through fostering their social skills, promoting independence, & facilitating opportunities to be a part of the community, you'll contribute to their growth & fulfillment.

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Employment Specialist works in the community to solicit employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Employment Specialist works with individuals from referrals made through State Agency contracts to match supported individuals to available jobs & is responsible for completing vocational assessments & assisting individuals to secure competitive employment in the community by providing & arranging the necessary job supports to ensure success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Develop & expand opportunities for community integration to address the individual¿s employment, social, & recreational interests, using Agency & personal network of contacts.
Develop & maintain relationships with community businesses to secure employment opportunities.
Complete assessment of employment interests, skills, & abilities.
Develop & implement an Employment Plan by assisting individuals in making & expressing employment choices & providing career counseling.
Place individuals in jobs in the community that are consistent with their employment service goal.
Promote accessibility for people with disabilities in the workplaces of other entities by identifying & addressing existing & potential barriers to their employment (architectural, attitudinal, etc.).
Establish & maintain a positive & professional relationship with community contacts, employers, co-workers & supervisors, funding sources, etc.
Provide benefits counseling throughout the job search & placement process. Ensuring individuals or their designated representative payee are reporting their wages to Social Security. Referring to Social Security Benefits counselor as needed.
Adhere to all funding source regulations & Cape Abilities' policies & procedures.
Serves as mandated reporter for suspected cases of abuse &/or neglect to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC).

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Understands & implements Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) Universal Supports strategies & techniques with the individuals.
Provide transportation to participants, when necessary, in a personal vehicle or a designated agency vehicle when available.
Performs additional duties, as assigned.

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Minimum 2 years prior related experience preferred.
Ability to teach and model occupational tasks.
Must be able to effectively communicate in both verbal and written form with coworkers and supported individuals and read fluently.
Valid driver's license in the state of Massachusetts required.

See Competencies when applying