Supported Employment Specialist – Project FRIENDS
Statement of Duties
Provide oversight, and administration over the Supported Employment Program in the Project FRIENDS Program. This program provides Employment Support Services and advocacy to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within a community setting. The focus is on individualized supports for community inclusion, job development and personalized goal setting.
Supervision
Employee works under the general supervision of the Director of the Project FRIENDS Program and the Director of the Town of Coventry Department of Human Services. Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. Employee refers unusual situations to the Project FRIENDS Program Director for advice and further instructions. Work is reviewed only to an extent sufficient to ensure that completed work professional methods used are technically accurate, are goal oriented and that instructions are being followed.
Job Environment:
Numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions govern the work, and in some cases, may require additional interpretation. Employee uses workforce development best practices and judgment to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline to use in a given situation. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or information involved, or sought, in a particular situation. The position has frequent contact with the public; in person, in writing, and on the telephone, to respond to inquiries or requests for employment and workforce development service coordination. Other contacts are with employers, other town employees, vendors, and State agencies and officials.
Position Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Essential Functions
- Establish and maintain work development relationships with personnel from the State of Rhode Island to include: Department of Labor and Training and community Partners to include potential employers, town departments and other resources which will ultimately benefit the participants of Project FRIENDS.
- Assist individuals with disabilities to find employment in the community, by the individual's performances, capacities and personally developed goals.
- This position includes knowledge of and experience with specialized and individualized programs which help develop skills in job placement, workplace support, and understanding accommodations
- Conduct vocational assessments as needed
- Develop community-based employment opportunities for people we support through regular employer contacts, public relations and community interaction.
- Provide individualized, ongoing and intensive job coaching on and off the job site for the newly employed.
- Ensure all required documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner
- Conduct a bi-weekly job-club meetings with the participants seeking gainful employment
- Assist with developing and maintaining business partnerships to increase employment options for clients.
Track and maintain proper documentation and files for the Employment Services department, in compliance with standards set by Department of Labor, Employment First Initiatives and other regulatory agencies.
Serve as an advocate for participants at all times.
Perform other related duties as assigned by Project FRIENDS Program Director and Director of HumanServices.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Physical and Mental Requirements
The employee works in a moderately noisy office setting and employee is required to sit up to 2/3rd of the time; stand, walk, talk, listen, use hands. The employee occasionally lifts up to 30 pounds. The position has normal vision requirements. Equipment operated includes; office machines, computers, and miscellaneous office equipment.
Education and Experience
High School diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred;
Must have ACRE “National Certificate of Advancement in Employment Services Basic Level” certificate in Job Placement, supported employment, and job coaching
A minimum of 5 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Ability to work with a variety of employers, individuals, and families to develop appropriate programming in vocational services
Pass a Criminal Background Check
Be flexible with availability; Be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and organized.
Possess an active RI Driver’s License and insured, safe vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
A candidate for this position should have knowledge of the following:
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, individualized planning, addressing employment and programmatic needs as well as completing full employment evaluations.
Knowledge of needs of specialized populations and resources for these individuals.
Knowledge of the State of Rhode Island’s licensing requirements, rules and regulations.
Computer programs and applications associated with Employment Development and service provision.
Subsidized employment goals and global resources for special populations.
Skill in:
Engaging employers as it aids in employment goal development.
Operating computers and office equipment.
Organization and communication.
Ability to:
Prioritize and perform multiple tasks
Exercise considerable judgment and tact in contact with participants, families, publicofficials and the general public.
THIS IS A PART TIME, NON-UNION POSITION
STARTING RATE IS $24.56 PER HOUR
TO APPLY: PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME TO HR@COVENTRYRI.GOV.