Community Employment Specialist

Under the supervision of the Director of Employment & Meaningful Day Services (E&MD), the Community Employment Specialist is responsible for the procurement and/or development of employment opportunities for people supported, with an emphasis on customized employment. This position will work in conjunction with other employment staff to ensure the smooth start-up of new sites and ongoing support of existing sites. 

WORK PERFORMED 

• Will promote and foster the strategic plan through workforce development activities. Typical duties include:
• Explaining the concept of inclusion to employment/volunteer contacts.
• Facilitating inclusive work/volunteer environments for people supported.
• Will act as the primary liaison to the E&MD management team regarding the status/progress of workforce development activities. Typical duties include:
• Working cooperatively with Team Coordinators regarding employment opportunities and identification of people supported.
• Keeping Team Coordinators, Assistant Directors and Division Director informed of progress at new and existing sites. 
• Will utilize discovery and customized employment strategies to create career plans for an identified group of people supported.
• Is responsible for procurement and development of contract and direct hire positions for groups and individuals. Typical duties include:
• Oversight of start-up of community-based paid and volunteer enclaves/mobile crews.
• Ensuring efficient and effective completion of the scope of work during the start-up period.
• Ensuring smooth transition of authority to the Team Coordinator and Job Coach and/or Direct Support Professional..
• Following up with the employer to ensure satisfactory performance. 
• Is responsible for cost analysis and proposal preparation in the contract development and negotiation process.  Typical Duties include:
• Determining costs associated with the salaries of people supported, materials/equipment and transportation.
• Developing proposals for potential employers.
• Developing contracts/agreements once proposals have been accepted. 
• Working with identified staff, will assist with the transition of group employment workers to competitive individual employment.
• Is responsible for public relations/communications with community and business organizations and individuals concerning E&MD employment services. Typical Duties include:

• Participating in local and state-wide committees, task force, chamber events.
• Developing partnerships with businesses and programs to facilitate employment.
• Participating in internal agency committees (i.e., Crew Development).
• Following agency established communication policies and procedures and consulting with the Senior Manager for Communications as appropriate.
• Will stay current with all labor laws and employer incentives pertaining to workers with disabilities.
• Will complete DORS documentation, as needed, including but not limited to applications and progress reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus 3 years of relevant professional experience; or Associate’s degree in a relevant field plus 5 years of relevant professional experience; or high school diploma plus 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.  
• Must have the ability to transport the people supported in personal or agency vehicle.  
• Must be available to work outside of regular business hours with advance notice.  
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.  
• Must have an ACRE certification or the ability to obtain ACRE certification within the first 6 months of employment.  
• Must be able to effectively communicate in written and spoken English.