Occasionally, an Employment Vacancy opens up with Darden Rehabilitation Foundation. Openings will be listed here.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES SHOULD BE EMAILED TO: employment@dardenrehab.org
PART-TIME COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST/JOB DEVELOPER (CES)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Educational: The requirement desired for this position is a bachelor’s degree or work experience in human services, education, or a business related field, and with knowledge of the goals of rehabilitation, business practices and job requirements.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Employment Specialist is responsible for the efficient and ethical performance of duties.
DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
1. Assess consumer job readiness skills. Teach appropriate application skills,
interviewing skills, resume writing, proper dress, grooming and hygiene, orientation
to wages, withholding and benefits, job seeking skills, job retention skills, dialogue
about disability, capabilities, consumer’s preferences and necessary
accommodations.
2. Develop job leads. Initiate and maintain employment relationships to facilitate
placement opportunities. Establish contact with employers and agencies, survey
websites, and other sources to locate work opportunities for consumers.
3. Complete the Assessment, IEOP Plan, and monthly progress reports in a timely
manner. (Monitor IEOP weekly)
4. Counsel with consumers and family members to obtain support of employment
efforts.
5. Learn job tasks required of worker at job site. Train the consumer on job safety.
Teach performance of specific job tasks. Develop or facilitate job site accommodations
as necessary. Model appropriate behavior on job.
6. Train the consumer to self advocate and solve problems.
7. Work with the counselor and team members in solving problems that impact
consumer’s employment (i.e. transportation, child care needs, family problems,
housing issues, appropriate response to authority, employer expectations, etc.)
8. Routinely report the consumer’s progress in meeting job standards to the counselor.
Prepare progress reports in a timely manner.
9. Maintain contact with the consumer and/or employer as frequently as is needed to
provide support, to assess job performance/satisfaction, and to assist consumer in
maintaining employment. Monitor and document the consumer’s performance at
the job site and monitor employer satisfaction.
10. Maintain documentation in participant files regarding referral information, service
provision and termination information in order to keep files current.
11. Participate in staff meetings and activities, as well as other community personnel/
employment meetings and groups to insure current information regarding
employment trends and labor market issues.
12. Maintain communication and cooperative relationship with all referral agencies to
enhance service provision.
13. Performs any other duties as assigned.
In order to adequately fulfill this position, the employee should be able to perform the following, with or without accommodations:
1. Maintain a stationary position ≥ 50% of the time.
2. Needs to be able to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office
equipment, etc.
3. Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity equipment.
4. Frequently communicate with employees, employers, coworkers and consumers.
5. Will occasionally need to lift items up to 20 pounds.
Full-Time Project Search Skills Training Instructor/Job Coach
Location: Colonel Robert L. Howard Veterans Home – Pell City, AL
Standard Hours: Primarily 7:30 AM – 3:00 pm Mon – Fri, but as needed to accomplish work duties.
Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly
Provides Supervision to: Project Search St. Clair County Interns
SUMMARY OF PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Under the supervision of the Darden Rehabilitation Foundation Program Coordinator, the Work Skills Trainer/Job Coach will be responsible for providing training and support for interns, host site co-workers, families, area businesses and the community to ensure success during the worksite rotations and/or a competitive job. The Skills Training Instructor/Job Coach will also be responsible, as assigned, to provide extended services to interns who have gained and retain community employment.
A. RESPONSIBILITIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Provides individualized support to interns during host-business worksite rotations or in competitive employment, including skills training, development of natural support, identification of job accommodations, and use of assistive technology.
2. Communicates effectively with Project SEARCH Instructor, other coaches, employers, co-workers, family members, and school and agency personnel as it relates to the student being trained.
3. Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, situational assessments, and job matching activities.
4. Conducts steps of job coaching and skill training plan with interns and other parties as appropriate.
5. Work with participants, employers, families, agency personnel, school personnel, Project SEARCH team members, and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to training and employment.
6. Practice positive reinforcement techniques with interns, co-workers, and other staff.
7. Trains interns in the areas of grooming, hygiene, communication, interviewing, and behavior as they relate to successful employment.
8. Provides travel training to job sites if necessary and/or transportation to interns during job development.
9. Collaborates with the Project SEARCH instructor to make final decisions about issues affecting student success during worksite rotations or in competitive employment, including the need for continued job coaching, fading support, behavioral concerns, and job tasks.
10. Attends training, as appropriate, to become knowledgeable of strategies and current “best practices” in the field of supported employment.
11. Participates in decision making process to identify and implement training strategies and/or services with other Project SEARCH staff and host business staff.
12. Identify potential employers by networking and building business liaisons in the community for interns for competitive employment.
13. Assist and/or lead the effort in obtaining integrated employment for interns/graduates.
14. Travel to competitive worksites and access varying workspace, as necessary.
15. Attend and participate in all Advisory Board and Employment Planning meetings for interns.
16. Maintains close visual contact of interns.
B. ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS:
1. Adheres to and promotes standards of the host business and/or competitive work site to promote job productivity and efficiency.
2. Report regularly to supervisor on program participant status.
3. Complete and submit all required reporting forms, including hours worked in a timely manner.
4. Participate in staffing with referral counselor or other professional providing services.
5. Adhere to agency policies.
6. Recognizes and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of program participants.
7. Participates in recruitment, interviewing, and selection of Project SEARCH candidates.
8. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the agency.
9. Fulfills daily assignment responsibilities by accounting for all assigned hours, maintaining punctual and regular attendance, and completing required training.
10. Is punctual and at work as scheduled.
11. Other duties as assigned.
C. WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Depends on the setting in which training of program participants is to take place. Each site may have a variety of factors that should be acknowledged, including variable noise and dust levels, varying temperatures, lighting, and ground surfaces.
D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
It depends on training site and skill being trained: standing, sitting, bending, stooping, lifting, grasping, and stretching. Visual Skills. Vehicle travel and driving. Fine motor dexterity. Able to lift fifty pounds.
E. QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
1. Degree in related field preferred but not required. GED or High School diploma required.
2. Experience in collaborating with individuals who have development disabilities (or similar experience is strongly preferred).
3. The ability to maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
4. Valid Driver’s license.
5. Ability to perform duties in a variety of settings, including professional situations, private homes, area businesses, and other sites.
6. Computer skills, including word processing, excel and database.
7. Successful completion of Customized Employment training.
F. COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
1. Participates in professional development activities, including conferences and in-service training.
2. Is an effective role model.
3. Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor.
4. Exhibits an overall positive attitude.
5. Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.
6. Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.
7. Works as a productive team member with families, affiliate school, and agency personnel.
8. Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.
9. Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure services for a professional purpose or is required by law.
10. Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.
11. Ability to function in a flexible, ever-changing environment.
12. Belief in inclusiveness in all community settings.
13. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
14. Ability to work a flexible schedule based on program and participant needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.