Employment

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The Competitive Employment Advisor (CEA) provides direct and indirect services to individuals with disabilities seeking to obtain and maintain employment. This includes the development of potential work sites, career development and placement services, on-the-job coaching, and retention services. Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate employment goals and schedules of individual receiving services and be on call when issues arise that warrant support or action. Support may include working onsite at different facilities, for specific lengths of time, at different times of the day. Services and supervision provided can be 1:1 ratio or for a team of new or established employees. The CEA should maintain a positive relationship with business partners and provide support and education to set a professional example through actions, attendance, dress and demeanor. Must be able to work independently with clients and have the ability to make immediate decisions in the best interest of their career goals. 

Duties:

• Assess each individual’s strengths, barriers to employment, employment and financial needs, functional limitations and other pertinent information needed to develop and implement plan for employment services
• Establish and accompany individuals on job shadows, work trials, informational interviews and other career exploration activities as indicated on his/her plan; assessing and using information to establish Employment Plan and goals
• Provide job development and placement services such as resume writing, filling out job applications and increasing interview and soft skills necessary for successful employment
• Establish and maintain working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies to source job openings and secure employment and vocational training opportunities for employees
• Maintain and provide support to a caseload of individuals receiving Supported Employment Follow Along Services
• Provide on-the-job support to assist clients with learning all aspects of the job including teaching techniques, strategies and implementing accommodations as necessary and appropriate
• Learn and understand procedures, expectations, rules, business culture, etc. of work sites
• Document, complete all paperwork and meet all deadlines in compliance with BCI Skills Center, Competitive Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Employer, CARF and HIPPA standards
• Refer clients to the appropriate external services/service agency to assist them if in need of additional services
• Act as a liaison between clients and the leadership at work sites as appropriate
• Attend staff/ agency meetings, in-service training sessions and professional development as required and or requested
• Follow all policies and procedures established by BCI Skills Center and work sites
• Maintain consistent communication with Director, Competitive Employment; informing of any changes, progress and or concerns that may arise to support clients
• Perform other duties as directed  

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Experience in the field of human services or supervision may offset degree requirement. CPR and First Aid certification required (training will be provided if non-certified).  

Experience: 

3-5 years of experience in Employment Services is preferred.  Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities desired, at least 3 years preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to multi-task and flexible schedule required. Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.  

Physical Requirements: 

Physical demands will vary depending on the physical requirements of the work site. Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform essential functions.  Ability to occasionally push or pull up to 50 pounds; lift and carry up to 25 pounds of dead weight (assistance if necessary). Ability to reach, turn and twist above and below the waist. Ability to stand for extended periods. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics will vary depending upon the work environments of our clients. Specific characteristics, representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of the job will be described. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Primary Supervisor:  

Director, Competitive Employment 

Part Time, Summer Only

The summer Job Coach is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Summer Work Experience program operated through the BCI Skills Center. Responsibilities include work site training of the summer participants, maintaining quality instruction, administer onsite social skills training, and setting goals for the participants.  He/She is responsible for the guidance and direction needed to intervene with participants one-on-one and set a professional example and expectation through their actions, attendance and dress.  The Job Coach must act as an advocate on behalf of all participants and business partners under their direct supervision.  The Job Coach must be able to work independently with their participants and have the ability to make decisions necessary to guide their participants to a successful and positive work experience.

Duties:

• Assist the work site personnel in the training and supervision of the participant
• Clear communication with Skills supervisor
• Monitor the summer work participant’s activities 
• Insure the safety of all participants
• Complete all training documentation and reports associated with the program as required
• Assist in the development and motivation of participant job skills
• Facilitate daily group meetings with participants
• Communicate with work site personnel regarding any relevant issues
• Communicate with parents/guardians the progress of summer participants
• Facilitate the development of relationships between business partner personnel and participants
• Support the students in achieving their goals as outlined in their plan
• Facilitate on site social skills training as outlined in the curriculum
• Perform other duties as directed
• Ability to inspire and motivate
• Advise on workplace accommodations if needed for the participant

Qualifications:

High School Diploma required. Prior experience working with peoples with disabilities a plus.  First aid/CRP training (we will certify if necessary)  Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements will vary based on summer work site. Using fine and gross motor skills.  Ability to push or pull up to 25 pounds.  Lift and carry up to 30 pounds of dead weight.  Ability to bend, stoop and reach is required. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics will vary depending upon the work environment of the business partner.  Specific characteristics, representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of the job will be described.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Primary Supervisor:  

Summer Program Coordinator, Competitive Employment Director