Employment Specialist in Cross Roads, Texas at 29 Acres Inc

ABOUT: 29 Acres is a non-profit organization that serves adults with autism and other neurodiversity through a suite of

support services including a living community, 2-year transition academy, day program, and employment support.

JOB ROLE: The Employment Specialist is an innovative and collaborative professional responsible for helping clients 16+

with autism and other neurodiversity achieve meaningful employment. This role primarily supports individuals living at the

29 Acres Living Community and students enrolled in the Transition Academy, utilizing services through the Texas Workforce

Commission (TWC). The Employment Specialist may also provide employment services to TWC clients who are not affiliated

with 29 Acres, as well as HCS clients, on a case-by-case basis.

The Employment Specialist builds and maintains strong community partnerships to create employment opportunities that

align with each individual's strengths, interests, and vocational goals. They guide clients through every stage of the

employment process, including vocational assessment, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, job

searching, employer outreach, work experiences, job placement, and individualized job coaching.

Working closely with clients, families, employers, TWC counselors, and the interdisciplinary team, the Employment Specialist

develops and implements individualized employment plans while providing ongoing support to promote job retention,

increased independence, and career growth. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, meeting

TWC service requirements and timelines, and ensuring services are person-centered and aligned with each client's

vocational goals.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

● Forward and innovative thinking on employment opportunities in the community

● Develop a network and contacts within the community for employment needs and partnerships

● Work together with employment team for opportunities for clients

● Provide job follow-up services and understand how to fade supports to natural employment supports

● Develop and implement individualized employment plans with clients and ensure that they understand the

metrics of each devised plan

● Perform other assignments as delegated by the leadership team

● Occasionally teach pre-employment vocational training

SLACK/COMMUNICATION:

● Meet weekly with Director of Vocational Services to review client job search progress

● Conduct case notes in slack with descriptive notes, observations, goals, successes and feedback

● Maintain effective communication with all staff involved in the client’s vocational plan

● Communicate with client’s circle of support prior to accepting a job offer to ensure it is the right fit

EMPLOYMENT SEARCH PROCESS:

● Meet 1-on-1 with clients, engaging them in conversation to determine their specific backgrounds, career aspirations

and personalities to find successful competitive employment based off their interests, desires and goals

● Follow up with employers after interviews to further assist with potential job offer

● Be meaningful and diligent while submitting job applications for clients – apply to jobs that meet their interests

and skill sets

● Keep job application trackers up to date for each client using google sheets

● Provide pre-employment training such as elevator speech, resume writing and interview prep

● Coordinate interviews with employers, being the main point of contact during the employment search

● Attend interviews, supporting and serving as an advocate for clients

● Provide onsite job coaching when clients are placed at a job site

● Provide some transportation for employment purposes to clients

JOB PLACEMENT PROCESS:

● Check in with clients at or away from job site as indicated on their TWC employment plan

● Check in with job coaches and employers to ensure clients are continuing to meet expectations

● Assist clients with requesting time off or changing their availability as needed

● Obtain client’s weekly work schedule and share with Director of Vocational Services AND Director of

Transition Academy to ensure job coaching support is scheduled accordingly

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS:

● Monitor the 29 Acres Yahoo email account daily for client communications regarding job applications, interviews,

and employment opportunities

● Check client Indeed accounts daily for messages, application updates, and employer correspondence

● Complete and submit all required TWC documentation accurately and within required timelines

● Maintain current ANE, HIPAA, and First Aid/CPR certifications and upload updated certifications to ADP

● Keep a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file in ADP at all times

● Maintain UNTWISE certification by completing all required continuing education units (CEUs) prior to expiration. If

certification lapses due to failure to maintain CEUs, the cost of recertification will be the employee's responsibility

● Submit mileage reimbursement through RAMP on a weekly basis

● Maintain regular communication with clients' parents and/or guardians, as appropriate, with a minimum of monthly

contact

● Update the Employment Dashboard promptly whenever a client receives a job offer or experiences a change in

employment status

● Schedule all client meetings, interviews, and employment-related appointments on the department Google

Calendar and invite the Director of Vocational Services

● Submit PTO requests through ADP and add approved time off to the department Google Calendar, inviting both the

Director of Vocational Services and the Director of Transition Academy

● Maintain accurate, timely, and organized client documentation in accordance with 29 Acres policies and Texas

Workforce Commission requirements

REQUIREMENTS & SCOPE:

Education

● Bachelor's degree preferred in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a

related field

Experience

● Experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably adults with autism or other neurodiversity

● Experience supporting individuals in achieving competitive, integrated employment outcomes

● Experience employer outreach and networking

Required Certifications

● UNTWISE certifications required (must obtain within first 2 months of employment - Job skills training, Job

Placement & Supported Employment)

● Current CPR certification required

Additional Requirements

● Successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening

● Maintain a valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record

● Reliable transportation required for travel to client meetings, employer sites, and community-based employment

settings

Skills and Competencies

● Demonstrates strong public relations, networking, and community engagement skills

● Ability to develop and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, clients, families, and service

providers

● Ability to effectively manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain an assigned caseload

● Knowledge and ability to support clients in obtaining competitive, integrated employment

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, electronic documentation systems, and other technology

platforms

● Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate documentation

Problem Solving / Decision Making

● Performs multiple related tasks and processes while prioritizing client needs and employment goals

● Uses sound judgment and problem-solving skills to address employment barriers and support client success

● Works under general supervision while demonstrating initiative and accountability in managing assigned

responsibilities

Working Conditions

● Work environments include office settings, residential environments, classrooms, community locations, employer

worksites, and outdoor environments with varying climate conditions

● Position requires frequent community travel and interaction with clients in employment settings

● May require physical activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling as needed to support clients and program

operations

● May involve exposure to challenging behaviors, including potential risk of injury (such as hitting or kicking), bodily

fluids, or other workplace hazards

● Must be able to respond appropriately and assist adults during emergency situations

● Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working

conditions associated with this position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and

responsibilities as needed to meet organizational needs, including but not limited to changes in staffing, workload, program

requirements, or emergency situations