Employment Engagement Specialist

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work – Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm; Flexible to the needs of the Agency. Qualifications – Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, human services, or related field preferred with 1 year experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation supported employment, or behavioral services. Or at least a high school diploma with 2 years of experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation supported employment, or behavioral services required. Strong communication, relationship- building, and organizational skills. Valid acceptable NYS Driver’s License. Relevant Certifications – None. Work Authorization/Security Clearance – Authorized to work in the United States. Summary/Objective – Responsible to work directly with adults to provide vocational rehabilitation, job readiness, and career support services while building strong relationships with employers and community partners. This role is critical to connecting program participants with meaningful employment opportunities and ensuring successful workforce integration. Essential Functions – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with local employers and community partners. Promote program participants as potential employees and negotiate job placements. Educate employers on accommodations, supported employment practices, and mental health awareness. Track job development efforts and employer engagement outcomes. Collaborate with program staff, case managers, and supervisors to coordinate services. Represent the organization at community events, job fairs, and stakeholder meetings. Conduct outreach to recruit program participants and raise awareness about employment programs. Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and workforce integration for adults with barriers. Conduct assessments of participants’ skills, strengths, and employment barriers. Develop individualized employment plans and career goals. Assist participants with resume development, cover letters, and applications. Provide job coaching on job search strategies, interview skills, workplace behavior, and soft skills. Recommends additional education to participants to help them achieve their career goals. Assist Participants in exploring colleges, vocational programs, and trade schools align with their career goals. Monitor and document participants progress and outcomes to ensure program goals are being met. Competencies – Ethical Conduct. Time Management. Organization Skills. Project Management. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility. Supervisory Responsibility – NA Travel – Required within the county regularly. Additional travel required for trainings and regional or statewide meetings. Work Environment - This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands - 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; lift; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling in excess of 30 pounds. Other Duties – This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. I have read and received a copy of the above job description and understand the responsibilities fully. I understand that the preceding job description will be reviewed/updated at least annually; more frequent updates will depend on contract needs. AAP/EEO Statement – The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has and will continue to provide all employees and applicants’ equal opportunity in the manner provided by law in all aspects of employment regardless of their age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, or carrier status, or marital status. These individuals will be recruited, referred for hiring consideration, and employed with regard to the positive and appropriate utilization of their skills and capabilities. Qualified employees will be afforded non-discriminatory consideration for promotion and job advancement, and there will be no discrimination with regard to assignments, rates of pay, promotions, transfers, training, termination, accessibility, working conditions, and benefits.