Employment Specialist, Roselle, NJ
Originally established in 1959 as the Occupational Center of Union County, Inroads to Opportunities provides programs and services to over 400 individuals each year. The individuals we serve are ages 16 through retirement, have intellectual and developmental disabilities and many are economically disadvantaged. We provide services such as vocational preparation, employment services, transition from school to work, certificate training programs, day habilitation and mental health services.
Inroads to Opportunities offers a fulfilling employment experience for those who are committed to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Join us for a rewarding, long-term career. This positions is on-site in Roselle, NJ.
We are seeking an outgoing and dedicated Employment Specialist to join our team. The primary function of this role is to assist individuals at Inroads interested in employment with career exploration and job matching. Ideal candidates will demonstrate caring and compassion to individuals served and have the ability to communicate in an open and consistent manner.
Responsibilities:
Maintains thorough knowledge of Federal/State legislation with respect to public entitlements and earnings and establishes good working relationship with local DVR counselors.
Works with interested job-ready individuals to develop and employment plan. Works with interested individuals in groups and one-to-one, covering job-seeking skills, job development, and records hours spent in participant’s case records.
Submits weekly job development information to the Director of Vocational Services and the employment team.
Receives and maintains state required trainings to perform and develops Trial Work Experience (TWE) sites in the community and arranges meetings with the participant, employer, DVR counselor and family or interested parties as required.
Produces monthly billable hours, and places a minimum of 20 individuals per year successfully in community jobs.
Performs on-site job coaching after successful placement, if and when necessary, and maintain records of site visits.
Is familiar with labor laws dealing with workers with disabilities.
Completes all monthly logs and progress reports for individuals assigned to their caseloads or when covering for another case manager’s cases.
Maintains a good driving record and takes appropriate care of agency’s vehicles when in use reporting any accidents or concerns immediately to supervisor.
Participates in the initial intake with individuals referred to pre-placement from DVR or Extend Employees looking to be considered for Hybrid program.
Completes job site analysis forms on each job developed and inputs appropriate notes in participant’s files on all employment possibilities.
Attends conferences, meetings and training sessions as assigned.
Attends internal meetings called by management.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Vocational Rehab or related field
Valid NJ driver’s license
Knowledge and experience working with people with developmental disabilities
Proficiency in workforce development strategies and practices
Excellent interviewing skills to assess individuals’ abilities and match them with suitable employment opportunities
Ability to mentor individuals in developing essential workplace skills and foster personal growth
Benefits:
Inroads to Opportunities offers full-time employees health insurance, dental insurance, vision reimbursement, flexible spending account, health savings account, life insurance, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.
We kindly request that you do not call or visit our office regarding the status of your application. We will contact candidates who meet our qualifications directly to schedule an interview. Thank you for your understanding.
Compensation:
$19.94 - $22.00 per hour
Inroads to Opportunities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process may request it orally or in writing.