Disability Employment Specialist at Triangle Disability & Autism Services – Raleigh, North Carolina

Summary:

Facilitate successful achievement of vocational goals for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism by providing supportive services and community advocacy.

Essential functions:

• Provide education and information regarding job opportunities and requirements to participants and their families.
• Assess/evaluate the vocational skills, abilities and interests of participants.
• Market the program & participants to area employers in order to develop evaluation and employment sites.
• Maintain strong employer relationships to ensure employer satisfaction and retention.
• Provide pre-employment support including career counseling, resume/application prep, and interview skills training.
• Provide person-centered job coaching and follow-along support designed to develop vocational skills, increase independence and support job retention.
• Facilitate the development of strong employer-participant relationships.
• Coordinate services with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and employment sites, providing advocacy as appropriate.
• Complete required reporting and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

Other duties:

• Provide transportation for participants as needed.
• Act as an Ambassador for Triangle Disability & Autism Services, promoting TDAS and its programs to community members and professional contacts.
• Collaborate with other departments and staff members to achieve our mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of I/DD and autism, communication strategies, and person-centered service delivery.
• Exhibit good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2 years experience working with individuals with I/DD and/or autism required.
• Ability to transport participants in personal vehicle (including valid driver’s license & current auto insurance).

Supervisory responsibilities:

Vocational Services Supervisor supervises job coaches.

Work environment:

• Work is often performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment including computers, phones, copiers, etc. The employee will also visit area business partners, participants’ homes and attend community events.
• Occasional evening or weekend work is required.

Physical Demands:

• Work involves talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, climbing stairs, using hands to handle objects or operate tools, and driving a vehicle.
• May be required to push, pull, lift or carry up to 50 pounds, physically transfer individuals, and perform CPR / First Aid.