POSITION SUMMARY
The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing career counseling, preparing individuals for employment, developing internship and employment opportunities, job coaching, benefits advisement and delivering work readiness training.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with individuals to develop a Job Search Plan. Develop strategies to implement objectives identified in the Job Search Plan. Identify potential employment barriers, clarify short term goals and identify the services and supports/accommodations individual will require to choose, obtain and maintain employment.
• Assess individual’s job seeking skills and provide job seeking skills training: locating employment opportunities, resume writing, completing job applications, employment interviewing.
• Provide job development services: contact employers to locate employment opportunities for consumers; match consumer’s skills and interests with employment opportunities; arrange for and take individuals to interviews; provide follow up on job openings by filling out applications; assist consumers in sending follow up letters after interviews; arrange for tours of job sites.
• Provide On-site and Off- Site Job Coaching services as needed and requested by our participants. On-site coaching can include hands on training and /or observation of the participant at their job site during their assigned shifts. The services may also include having direct contact and communication with the participant’s supervisor on an on-going basis.
• Proficient use of electronic documentation: service plans, monthly progress reports, time utilization via Outlook Calendar, accessing the NYESS system and other assigned projects. Complete required documentation in a timely and accurate manner; maintain confidentiality of client records; transmit required paperwork and statistical data to referral sources and supervisor.
• Maintain communication with referral sources, treatment team and other interested parties, as indicated.
• Demonstrate and model positive work attitudes and habits for individuals. Maintain a work environment in a clean, organized and safe manner.
• Driving required
• Responsibilities may change as organizational needs dictate. The above list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills and responsibilities.

Health, Safety, & Compliance

• Maintain a work environment in a clean, organized, and safe manner. Conduct daily inspections of work areas to look for unsafe conditions
• Ensure all accidents are reported to supervisor and Human Resources immediately
• Be familiar with the Health & Safety Program and abide by all safety and health rules, work practices, and regulations.

Agency Standards

• Demonstrate positive work attitudes and habits
• Maintain a clean and neat appearance consistent with agency standards and act as a role model
• Attend all required meetings and trainings
• Participate in training programs for professional growth as scheduled and approved
• Responsible for understanding and adhering to Gateway Hudson Valley’s Corporate Compliance Policy and Standards of Conduct as well as all applicable program rules, regulations and policies. Keep abreast of any changes or modifications to policies or regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree plus one year experience in human services or a related field preferred
• Associate’s degree and two years related experience accepted
• High school diploma and three years related experience accepted

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be reviewed per ADA standards.

• Must be able to sit or stand for 8 hours/day
• Must be able to bend down or kneel occasionally (1-2 times/week)
• Must be able to use hands, wrists, and fingers with full range of motion
• Driving

REGULATORY CLEARANCES REQUIRED:

• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and maintain a driving record which meets the insurable criteria of the Agency’s automobile insurance carrier
  • Driver’s License Abstract
• Must have a favorable result from all state, federal, and agency mandated background checks
  • New York State Justice Center Fingerprinting Background Check
  • OWPDD MHL Abuse/Neglect History Check
  • Statewide Central Registry Check

We are an EEO/AA employer.