Employment Specialist I

Working at PAI is not just a job, it\'s a calling. If you feel called to serve others and help maximize their potential in the work place, the Employment Specialist role is for you! You will work with adults with disabilities secure employment that match their interests and enrich their lives. rnSUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:rnEngage with the people we serve and provide services that help them explore, find, and keep jobs. Services you will provide include arranging and facilitating the exploration of employment for those interested in it, and developing job goals, job-seeking skills, and identifying potential employers for those who are eager to work. In addition, you will effectively network and market on behalf of the people we serve to community businesses partners within our service area. Hourly wage: $18-21 (depending on qualifications). Hours per week: 40. Reports to: Director of Employment Services.rnESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.rnrnProvide person-centered support, coaching, and supervision to individuals that promotes positive experience and growth.rnAssist persons served to learn about and maintain employment based on their individual strengths and conditions for employment.rnProvide on the job coaching and follow-up services. Identify and request reasonable accommodations needed, train the person until they\'re comfortable working independently, or providing full time 1 on 1 coaching during their entire shift each day if required.rnRead and follow all individualized program and employment plans for each person served. Maintain a working knowledge of individualized plans for assigned individuals and assist in training other staff and ensuring these plans are followed.rnWork to achieve employment related outcomes as determined by the program manager/director.rnBuild and maintain effective working relationships with potential employers, existing business partners, hiring managers, and other PAI staff. Maintain expectations for productivity and quality. Establish rapport and positive relationships with the people you serve while maintaining and modeling professional boundaries. Develop community connections.rnModel positive behaviors, build relationships, value diversity, manage disagreements with compassion and act with integrity.rnMaintain a high level of flexibility, understanding, independence, and communication. Demonstrate effective time-management and task prioritization skills. Persevere and persist despite obstacles. Advocate for the individual being served.rnPresent new ideas for creative employment service options.rnUphold all protection and service-related rights, including respecting and maintaining individual privacy. Follow data privacy laws and HIPPA requirements.rnDemonstrate professional written and verbal communication. Promptly document related service information and ensure this is consistently and correctly done for assigned individuals.rnActively participate in staff meetings and contribute ideas.rnComplete required trainings.rnDemonstrate competency in appropriate safety and medication administration policies and adhere to recommended transfer/lifting procedures and body mechanics.rnUtilize adaptive equipment in an effective and safe manner.rnrn rnSECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONSrnOccasional projects as determined by supervisor.rn rnJOB SPECIFICATIONSrnEducation, Experience, and CredentialsrnRequiredrnrnHigh school degree or G.E.D. and be 18 years of age or older.rnPass DHS background study and maintain clearance to provide direct contact services without continuous supervision.rnDemonstrate effective oral and written communication skills as well as proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.rnReliable transportation for work driving purposes, valid driver\'s license, proof of valid car insurance, satisfy insurance criteria for driving history and permit driving record checks as needed.rnHours of work are typically daytime, Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekend work is rare unless a person you\'re serving gets an evening or weekend job and requires support.rnRequirements to drive a personal vehicle: reliable transportation for work driving purposes, valid driver\'s license, and proof of valid car insurance.rnrnDesired:rnrnAt least 4 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders.rnMeet Designated Coordinator requirements per MN Statute 245D:rnrna baccalaureate degree in a field related to human services + 1 year of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older;rnan associate degree in a field related to human services, and 2 years of FT work experiencernproviding direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older;rna diploma in a field related to human services from an accredited postsecondary institution and 3 years of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; orrnminimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities + 4 years of FT work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older under the supervision of a staff person who meets one of the qualifications in a-c above.rnrnrnBachelor\'s degree in Human Service Field or equivalent experience preferred.rnCertification as an employment specialist from an industry-recognized agency including:rnrnThe Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)rnThe National Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)rnThe Direct Support Professional Specialist in Employment Support credential (DSP-S-ES)