Employment Specialist
Hatfield, MA.
Full-time / Monday-Friday
$45,000
Summary:
The ideal candidate for the position is organized, detail-oriented, empathetic, passionate about helping people find purpose and direction, professional and able to work independently. This position requires managing ones’ own schedule and involves some travel throughout Western MA. The ideal candidate is excited about supporting people in setting career goals and overcoming barriers, wants to teach skills like interview preparation and writing resumes, comfortable soliciting or developing job opportunities and willing to provide coaching in various work settings as needed
Responsibilities:
- Delivers CIES or Individual Placement Services service components, as identified on the Individualized Plan for Employment (MRC) or Individualized Service Plan (DDS) targeted at job development and placement, vocational support, skills building, etc. for client’s employment and/or educational needs, if needed
- Assesses client’s vocational functioning using background information and work history
- Conducts job development and job search activities individualized to the preference of each client
- As needed, collaborates with local benefit planning services to help client’s obtain information about their entitlements (e.g., SSI, SSDI, health insurance, etc) and how these will be affected by employment so that client may make financially informed decisions about employment opportunities
- Collaborates with other support services the client uses to provide individualized wrap around and follow-along supports to assist the client in maintaining employment, following the client’s preferences
- With permission communicates with family members and involved other supports to gather input about the client’s skills, interests, strengths, and ideas for support that may be needed
- Participates in Adult Clinical Community Support (ACCS) meetings to coordinate and integrate CIES vocational services with ACCS when applicable, and as needed
- Employs trauma informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches and skills training techniques in the work
- Provides thorough, thoughtful, and timely documentation and data collection for all clients using prescribed forms and practice
- Participates in counseling and supervision provided by experienced peers for continuous professional role competency development, mentoring, and learning
- Participates in regional Employment Collaborative Job Developer Network meetings
- Assists clients to access assistive technology and adaptive equipment to enhance their employment skills
- Submits all billing and corresponding documentation on time and complete
- Performs other related duties, as assigned
Qualifications:
- Active listening skills: listening to what other people say and asking appropriate questions
- Verbal & Written Comprehension: Understands information and ideas by reading, and ability to present ideas in writing
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Using logic and analysis to identify strengths & weaknesses of different approaches
- Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
- Open to change and variety in the workplace while being sensitive to others' needs and feelings
- Reliable, honest, avoids unethical behavior, and maintains confidentiality
- Ability to work well with diverse populations in diverse settings that build trust and support increased collaboration
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information
- Ability to learn the principles & practices of assisting people with physical and/or mental disabilities to meet their vocational, social, and independent living needs, including evaluation, monitoring, testing & training, methods & techniques of determining individual interests, aptitudes, skills, and occupational preferences
- A criminal background check will be completed
- A college degree is preferred but previous experience working with disabled populations in a vocational setting or demonstrated success in sales and marketing will be considered
- Candidates skilled in speaking American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to apply
- Travel is required; candidate requires a license and operable vehicle
Benefits and Pay:
- $45,000
- Generous time-off package.
- Comprehensive, health and dental insurance plans.
- 403(B)-retirement plan, with employer matching.
- Long-term disability benefits; paid life insurance
- Advancement opportunities, tuition assistance, and several more benefit options.
ServiceNet is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
At ServiceNet, you will make a real difference. Whether you’re working in residential direct care, clinical care, peer support, or other valuable roles, you’ll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting our community.
And with over 1,500 employees and 100 programs across western Massachusetts, we’re confident there’s a role that’s the right fit for you.
ServiceNet is a non-profit agency supporting people with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, homelessness, and more. We offer great benefits, room to grow, and plenty of rewarding opportunities. We’d love for you to join us!
Not sure which job might be right for you? No problem! Email talent@servicenet.org to speak with a hiring manager today.
