Employment Specialist - 1 year Grant Funded

REPORTS TO: Community Support Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Supports high school students primarily in Waukegan High School in their development of a comprehensive post-graduation career plan. Assists students in identification of interests, worker strengths, support needs, training and work opportunities. Researches ancillary service options for students as required and supports job search activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Meets with prospective students, teachers, and parents at interdisciplinary meeting(s) and outlines services supported through the supported employment grant program (SEP).

2. Assists students in identification of their vocational interests, goals, and support needs.

3. Individual case management to include intake/file up keep, case notes, and job club activity log employment related documentation. Analyze information obtained from interviews, tests, IEP, etc.

4. Schedules and conducts team meetings for individuals in job placement on an 8 week schedule.

5. Develops a comprehensive individual service plan for each person enrolled in the SEP program.

6. Establishes individual lesson plans for job club activities based on SEP and client goals.

7. Offers individual job preparation instruction. i.e. interview, resume, applications.

8. Educate, promote and provide support to individuals in making healthy lifestyle choices, as referenced in the DSP health and safety and health and nutrition training curriculums and/or service plans.

9. Identify and utilize effective advocacy strategies to overcome the diverse challenges facing individuals, i.e., human rights, legal, administrative and financial.

10. Conducts job club activities/classes at local area high schools where students are enrolled.

11. Monthly billing of service hours, monitoring client time in program.

12. Business marketing to develop direct job placement.

13. Performs job survey, matches consumers with jobs according to consumer’s abilities/interests.

14. Maintain cooperative relationships with employers, vocational training institutions and community resources.

15. Assists Job Coaches with training individuals on particular jobs and/or mobility training, as needed.

16. The employee may be asked to perform other duties as required by the employer’s business needs. Other duties may consist of providing translation support for agency and consumer needs.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Keeps abreast of developments in the field by attending seminars, workshops and networking with other social services agencies, etc.

2. Ensures safety of all consumers under his/her supervision.

3. Attends team meetings as requested.

4. Provides consultation to prospective employers regarding any accommodation necessary for the individual to be successful at performing his/her job.

5. Obtains information about individuals through various assessments, facilitates appropriate job match.

PHYSICAL & VISUAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and push/pull up to 100 lbs

2. Ability to see accurately both near and far

3. Ability to walk, bend, twist, kneel, and stoop and to be on feet for up to 8 hours at a time

4. Ability to accurately manipulate small objects accurately using fine motor skills

5. Ability to drive to various locations as needed, adapting to various weather conditions

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred

• Bilingual in Spanish required

• Valid and acceptable driving record-No moving violations w/in the past 12 months

• 2 years of related experience preferred

• Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office required

• Knowledge of principles and practices of marketing