Employment and Transition Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: ATS - North Adams - North Adams, MA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $21.50 - $22.00Hourly, Job Shift: Any, THE BFAIR WAY – Inspiring Abilities, Creating Limitless Possibilities:We are a national and state accredited human service agency responsive to the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families through a dedication to excellence; diverse service options; safe and healthy environments; fiscal responsibility; community partnerships; career opportunities and advancement.   POSITION DESCRIPTION: responsible for fostering the growth of vocational skills and finding competitive employment opportunities for individuals and students referred to CCS Employment Services by MassAbility.  Provide comprehensive support to students in the Transition program through individual sessions or career camps, offering workplace readiness education, career exploration, self-advocacy, and counseling, work-based learning experience in the form of an internship, and on-site job shadowing as well as post-secondary and mentoring education.  Work with students to identify interests and skills as well as barriers to employment and reasonable accommodation.  Assist with training and strategies to overcome barriers for future employment.  This position may provide support to the CCS Employment program through job seeking support, work experience, job coaching and job development and placement services. RESPONSIBILITIES:           Treat each individual, co-worker, supervisor and others with the respect and dignity due every human being and adhere to the Agency’s Human Rights Standards and the Commission for the Protection of People with Disabilities (CPPD) Mandated Reporter Guidelines around physical and emotional abuse, including the timely reporting of violations.  Ensure each job seeker and student served may achieve optimal quality of life (QOL) outcomes for people we support through a person-centered approach utilizing universal strategies, which is the foundation of the quality care and service provided.   Develop a positive rapport and foster good relationships with job seekers and students supported to encourage and foster personal growth, individual control, and emotional strength.  Employment Services: Partner and collaborate service delivery with supervisor, MassAbility, families and others Provide flexible, person-centered service delivery including in-person and virtual offerings Develop intentional strategies that engage and retain job seekers in services   Transition Supports: Provide interactive, intentional, youth-friendly strategies for engagement and retention Provide community-based programming outside of school hours Facilitate Youth Career Camps during school vacations and provide work-based learning experiences in the community   Collaborate with community partners such as local businesses, schools, and secondary education schools to provide career exploration and work experiences for participants.   Complete scheduling and case management tasks in conjunction with supervisor; required to remain flexible when scheduling to benefit the program.  Schedule must meet supervisor’s approval.  Priority for scheduling is based on student/job seeker availability.  Complete required documentation to include attendance records, consumer satisfaction, monthly case notes, day to day case notes and other program documentation as assigned.  All records are kept on file in the agency’s online filing system.   Responsible for submission of accurate billing documents to Director of Employment Services and/or designee on time monthly as prescribed.  Act as an appropriate role model through dress, speech, and actions.  Required to utilize CAPS Lab facility or Pittsfield office for all Transition Sessions and Camps both in person and virtual learning unless prior approval by supervisor and/or designee is obtained in writing. Professionally represent BFAIR in the community and with all employers.  Communicate effectively and appropriately with employers to facilitate successful internships and ongoing relations.  Communicate effectively with other agencies, funding sources, family members and school faculty as needed to track progress and ensure consistent services are provided.  Provide advocacy support and education for job seekers and students in areas of empowerment, self-advocacy, civil and human rights.  Must follow BFAIR Safe Driver, Vehicle and Equipment Policy. No smoking or use of cell phones is permitted in BFAIR vehicles or in staff vehicles while transporting individuals.  Effectively perform crisis intervention and emergency response that may include providing emergency first aid or CPR, performing fire evacuation, disaster relocation, and handling other crisis management procedures in accordance with program procedures.  Arrange all PTO time off requests with Director of Employment Services.  Vacation time must be requested at least two weeks prior to the desired date(s).  In case of illness, you must call out to your supervisor two hours prior to the start of your shift.  Attend scheduled staff meetings and training as assigned; work shifts as assigned.  Shifts may not be changed unless permission is received from supervisor prior to change.  Note: schedule may change as needed to accommodate program and/or student schedules including but not limited to possible night(s) and/or weekends.  Accurately documents all hours worked on the Agency electronic time management system.  All timesheets must be submitted timely for approval which act as your electronic signature and approval.  Time sheets should reflect employee’s assigned schedule unless prior approval was given by supervisor to alter assigned schedule.  Responsible for maintaining current certification(s) including but not limited to START, CPR/FA, and MAP (if applicable to position).  Responsible for completing all training assigned in electronic Learning Management System on time or attending any scheduled training.  If unable to complete or attend it is the employee’s responsibility to obtain prior authorization/permission to re-schedule training from Supervisor and notify Human Resources.  Responsible for routinely checking electronic communications; including but not limited to time off management, BFAIR email, BFAIR portal, and electronic LMS system.  These systems should be checked each shift of your work.  Meet with Director of Employment Services or designee monthly for individual supervision; attend staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Adhere to agency/personnel policies, funding agency regulations, follow emergency procedures and maintain individual’s confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA standards.  The agency reserves the right to revise existing schedules and/or program sites assignments, with notice due to the changing needs of the individuals served and program(s).  Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Employment Services and/or designee.Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS:     Minimum 18 years of age.  High School Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities. Must possess basic math (addition/subtraction) skills, ability to read and write, communicate effectively both verbally and written, ability to multi-task and exercise good judgement.  Ability to complete all initial and ongoing background checks including but not limited to: CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting, LEIE, driving record, E-verify, Physical, PPD and licensing and/or certification checks (i.e. nursing). Valid US Driver’s license and ready access to personal vehicle required.  TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Must maintain all certification needed in the program including CPR, First Aid, and BFAIR Human Rights Training.  May need to attend workshops, seminars or BFAIR functions as needed for job development.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF POSITION: Because of the nature of the work to be performed, requirements may include the following at least some of the time while assisting individuals in the completion of their routine tasks.  Indoor and outdoor work is required. Position requires:            Physical Activity # of pounds required Lifting 40 Carrying 35 Pushing 25-40 Pulling 25-40        The items which are checked have been determined to be abilities needed to accomplish the essential job functions.    Physical Abilities Required Not Applicable Minimal (> 10% of time) Occasional (11-33%) Frequent (34-66%) Constant (67-100%) Standing       X   Walking       X   Sitting     X     Driving       X   Climbing     X     Balancing     X     Stooping     X     Kneeling     X     Reaching       X   Handling       X   Hearing         X Seeing         X Depth Perception       X   Color Vision     X     Reading       X   Math       X   Communication:                Oral         X      Written       X   Mechanical Concepts     X     Operating Equipment       X       Mental Abilities Required Not Applicable Minimal (> 10% of time) Occasional (11-33%) Frequent (34-66%) Constant (67-100%) Interpreting         X Interpersonal Skills         X Implementing         X Evaluating         X Organizing         X Handling         X Consulting         X Analyzing         X Specifying       X   Color Vision X         Presenting         X Supervising         X Ability to deal with:                Stressful situations       X        Trauma, grief, death     X          Public contact         X      Decision-making         X      Concentration         X