Employment Specialist 1 at Sherwood Community Services – Burlington, Washington

The Employment Specialist 1supports Sherwood’s mission by assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in community paid employment/relationship building that is consistent with their goals. The positon is responsible for facilitating good working relationships between Case Resource Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, the client, prospective employers and community programs to ensure strong, natural work support and a smooth transition to employment/ community settings. Will provide follow-along services for participants working in community, jobs and work at job sites to help train both the participant and the employer on effective communication techniques, overcoming barriers to successful job performance, assessing the workplace for safety, and developing natural supports in the workplace.

• Engage participants and family in the Intake process, Discovery of job seekers skills and support needs, the CBA process to collaborate in creating a good job match for the participant and connect to other community resources as appropriate.
• Develop individualized Career Path Plans that utilize SMART goals, methods and strategies to achieve those goals.
• Create video resumes.
• Work with potential employers to develop individualized jobs by marketing, cold calling, employment tours, and building relationships.
• Provide feedback to participant regarding grooming, interview skills, vocational expectations and job performance, utilizing findings from observation, task analysis and training.
• Provide on-site job training and support to participants at the workplace regarding job duties, policies, and procedures in collaboration with the employer. Provide travel training if job seeker requires assistance in transportation.
• Provide support and training to employers to facilitate a reduction in the need for paid support and the integration of the supported employee into the regular work routine of the business. Troubleshoot issues and concerns that arise at the job site and work with the employer and participant to maintain a positive and successful working relationship.
• Maintain excellent communication with the participant, their circle of support, the referring agency, and other involved parties such as residential providers, regarding progress on and outcomes of employment plan.
• Provide environmental analysis; Assist employers to identify, modify and/or eliminate architectural, procedural and attitudinal barriers to better accommodate the employability needs of supported employees.
• Secure job performance feedback from employer and make appropriate adjustments to the individual’s employment service plan to enhance job performance.
• Assure authorizations are kept current and notify counselor/caseworker if any changes are needed in the Career Path Plan.