Supported Employment - Employment Specialist/FT/Middlesex County

Employment Specialist

Easterseals New Jersey is seeking an experienced Employment Specialist to join our Raritan Work Center in Central New Jersey!

As the Employment Specialist, you will provide effective supported employment services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment resulting in increased self-sufficiency and independence for our program participants.  This role builds and maintains employer partnerships throughout the region.

 ** Must be flexible to work evenings & weekends as needed **

Key responsibilities include (But are not limited to):

• Assist consumers in overcoming barriers to employment and secure competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.
• Engage students in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) in their transition from high school to successful employment by identifying/increasing their strengths, abilities, and interests.
• Work in partnership with referral sources in marketing the program and receiving referrals for the Employment Services program.
• Assist the consumer with on-the-job coaching to acquire the skills needed to perform the specific job task, which may require hands-on training or other learning accommodations to ensure that skills are learned. 
• Maintain professional rapport and provide quality customer service with all internal/external stakeholders. These stakeholders could include but are not limited to consumers, employers, families, schools, guardians, team members, professional support staff, and funding or community agencies.
• Contact new referral, complete initial intake, develop employment plan utilizing person-centered planning, and maintain a Consumer file.
• Conduct job searches and job development to obtain competitive employment that is consistent with the consumer’s goals, skills, interests, and IPE.
• Assist consumers in developing or re-establishing appropriate soft skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, work behaviors, and functional capacities.
• Provide employability skills training.
• Documentation of services provided; maintain files according to quality standards.
• Conduct Job Analysis, if necessary, to assure an appropriate placement and understand the essential functions of the position.
• Offer support and work-related counseling related to disability to address issues surrounding employment
• Develop trial work sites in the community to explore the consumer’s abilities, capabilities and capacity to perform in work situations to address work behaviors. 

• Comply with all applicable CARF requirements for accreditation.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• No Cost Life and Accidental Death Insurance 
• Employer Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Plentiful Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Plan with Match
• Discount Programs
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Paid Time Off Buy-Back
• Paid Medical Leave Time
• Direct Deposit and Payroll Cards
• Access to Electronic Pay Statements
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Paid Orientation & Training
• Recognition Program

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or rehabilitation-related field from an accredited college and a minimum of one year related experience preferred. 
• OR
• AA degree in Human Services or rehabilitation-related field from an accredited college and at least two years of related experience.
• OR
• A High School Diploma and at least three years of related experience
• Must be able to communicate an understanding of the needs of the business community and have an understanding of job performance assessment
• Possess a valid driver’s license & acceptable driving record
• Effective verbal & written communication skills with supervisor, participant and stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word

About Us!

Easterseals is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has helped children and adults with disabilities and special needs, live better lives for more than half a century. Annually, over 9,000 individuals with disabilities and specific special needs in New Jersey receive services in our programs. We believe everyone has an inalienable right to realize their potential and live their life as they envision it; everyone is allowed access to opportunities that permit them to do so.

Our employees dedicate themselves to making positive differences in people’s lives every day by living our Core Values: RESPECTFULNESS, WARMTH, EXPERTISE

Easterseals Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As one of our core values, we strive to provide equal opportunity to all of our employees without regard to their age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability which is unrelated to the ability to perform essential job functions, unfavorable military discharge (except dishonorable), veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, source of income or other legally protected category in accordance with applicable law with regard to receipt of services, appointment or election to voluntary office, or hiring for, assignment to, or promotion in staff positions.

Easterseals NJ offers paid training, 403(b) Retirement Plan and generous Paid Time Off for all employees! To view all benefit information, visit www.enjbenefits.com