Employment Specialist

Job Description

Enjoy a rewarding and challenging position with a nonprofit organization that has been helping educate, train, and provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities since 1955.

The Employment Specialist provides support, assistance, and guidance to individuals with disabilities that will enable the individual to develop skills and enhance their ability to fully engage with their community specifically through employment.

The Employment Specialist generates referrals from state Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and local Community Services Board Case Managers situated throughout Hampton Roads and develops job opportunities at commercial and governmental sites located across Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts in-person intake meetings of applicants following receipt of referral.
• Conducts in-person situational assessments, job development, placement/training, and follow-along support to individuals with significant disabilities.
• Situational Assessment: a vocational evaluation conducted by an employment specialist in a real work setting in a commercial or government setting.
• Job Development: supporting consumers through the process of obtaining employment, including resume writing, application, interviewing, and follow-up with potential employers.
• Job Placement and Training: Structured, one-to-one support to assist with learning the job and developing natural supports necessary, (e.g., employers, co-workers) to maintain job stability.
• Follow-along services: Routine and ongoing contact post-job placement to assess job performance, employer satisfaction, and levels of training and/or support needed.
• Monitors and records the progress of consumers toward established goals/objectives identified in the planning phases of service through assessment, in-person support, on-site observation, consultation with the employer/supervisor and rehabilitation staff members, family members, and natural support systems, and continuous review of progress summaries and assessment data.
• Coordinates transportation resources, which may include providing transportation for consumers during Situational Assessment and Job Development, as well as Community Support Services when needed.
• Independently manages caseload, by working varied hours to ensure the needs of the consumers are met.
• Coordinates authorizations from funding agencies and secures approval before service implementation.
• Routinely maintains contact with rehabilitative counselors and other referral sources to communicate progress and case progression as well as to request additional authorizations or change the status of the case.
• Provides information and resources to families, guardians, and/or natural supports, as appropriate.
• Submits narrative notes and billing information promptly according to Eggleston's accounting procedures.
• Ensures all Eggleston, accreditation and regulatory consumer documentation is completed on time for each consumer of service.
• Maintains regular communication with their assigned Program Manager regarding attendance, services being rendered, and caseload management needs.
• Attends staff meetings with supervisors and departmental staff.
  
  

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in education, vocational rehabilitation, human services, or related field and two (2) years of related experience in employment services and/or supporting individuals with disabilities; or HS diploma and at least 5 years experience in transition or supported employment services.
• Use of private vehicles to visit multiple locations, including businesses and private homes, on the Southside and the Peninsula.
• Pre-employment drug testing, clearance through a criminal background investigation, and ability to obtain and maintain governmental facility security clearance required.
• A copy of the DMV record and Employment application must be submitted to be considered.
  
  

Interested applicants should visit www.egglestonservices.org select Careers/Current Opening/the position you are interested in/Click the “Apply” button. Proof of an acceptable driving record must accompany the application to be considered.

E.O.E M/F/Disabled/Vet/Affirmative Action Employer - does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, and membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, protected veteran status or other non-merit factor.

Company Description

We help individuals with disabilities gain independence, confidence and increased feelings of self-worth through on-the-job training and stable, rewarding work opportunities.

When Eggleston opened in 1955 as the Tidewater Vocational Center, we served only seven individuals with disabilities. Today, we serve hundreds through 33 programs and 22 locations, and our services expand every year.

We help individuals with disabilities gain independence, confidence and increased feelings of self-worth through on-the-job training and stable, rewarding work opportunities. When Eggleston opened in 1955 as the Tidewater Vocational Center, we served only seven individuals with disabilities. Today, we serve hundreds through 33 programs and 22 locations, and our services expand every year.