Employment Support Specialist

Description

***Effective October 15, 2021, all employees/contractors/interns/volunteers are required to provide our office with proof of COVID vaccination.***

At COMHAR, it’s our mission to provide health and human services that empower individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. COMHAR, Inc’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability Employment Program supports individuals to reach their fullest potential and live happy, productive lives through meaningful work and paid employment in their community.

As COMHAR re-establishes Employment Services, we are looking for an Employment Support Specialist to manage the supports each client receives through their employment journeys. Through collaboration and a community focused approach, this position will provide individualized opportunities for adults with disabilities that enhance their employment skills, identify career interests, maintain work, while developing new learning and employment opportunities. This position seeks a candidate who is flexible and brings enthusiasm to the growing team and program.

The Employment Support Specialist will work within COMHAR’s Day Program and with businesses and employers in the community to bring awareness to the benefits of competitive integrated employment. This position will deliver quality services that include on the job training, job development, assessments that promote independence, community integration and a person-centered approach.

The ID Day Program gives individuals the skills necessary to pursue vocational/employment interests in both facility and community-based settings. Services are structured to simulate an actual work environment and focus on the development of skills that teach appropriate work behaviors and attitudes fostering independence, growth, and self-fulfillment. Individuals are compensated for marketable products which they produce, or for services which they perform while engaged in their training.

Salary:

$18.00 - $19.00 / hourly

Shift:

40 hours per week which may include weekends and/or evenings with observed holidays off per COMHAR policy.

Needs:

2 Openings for Position

The ID-Day Program offers services that are provided in both facility and community-based settings for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with intensive physical health needs (wheelchair, tube feeding, catheters, colostomy). Supports are offered through a variety of activities that develop life, socialization, motor, and adaptive skill sets.

The ID-Day Program is looking for candidates who are looking to make a difference in the lives of persons who are intellectually disabled. The Employment Supports Specialist help coordinate and manage training and supports in line with each consumer's existing needs and targeted service goals. Their responsibilities include planning and overseeing consumer activities, implementing program policies, and developing Individual Service Plan (ISP) for the consumer. Our ideal applicant will have a strong background composing and updating individual service plans of persons with intellectual disabilities.

COMHAR offers three different training programs to meet individuals’ varying level of need and setting preference. Programs include developmental training to teach basic skills, facility-based vocational training, community-based instruction, and supported employment.

Responsibilities:

• Provide consumers with on-the-job training, counseling, resources, job development and supports that are person-centered, promotes independence, encourages community participation, and prioritizes paid employment.
• Deliver services in a manner that actively engages and challenges each individual to increase their independent functioning, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and towards more independent adult living.
• Create opportunities and supports for assessments, internships, or paid employment aimed at helping individuals fine-tune their employment interests and skills.
• Provide on the job training and supports to individuals of a nature, intensity and duration that enhances success, integration, and independence on the job. Create a deliberate plan fade support that balances risk against gain.
• Work cooperatively with COMHAR staff, supervisors, consumers, team members associated with the consumers enrolled in the Employment program, and employers and in a manner that is consistent with core values.
• Work cooperatively with funding sources and referral agencies in a manner that is consistent with core values.
• Actively participate in and contribute to activities/projects/t