Employment Specialist 1 - Mankato

Description

Lifeworks is seeking a full-time Employment Specialist 1. This role advocates for and provides service to designated individuals with developmental disabilities or others with related conditions to assist them in achieving their desired outcomes. 

Position Title: Employment Specialist 1

Department: Employment Services

Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Mankato

Compensation:  $17 - $18 per hour 

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

What we offer employees:

Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11  paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial  Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after  Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why Work at Lifeworks

Lifeworks  is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people  with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability  inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and  ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive,  and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate,  and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in  our communities.

You’ll succeed in this role if you: 

• Can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Are capable of understanding and communicating written and verbal directions.
• Have regular attendance, reliability and punctuality is necessary to meet the needs of the business.
• Are well organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Aptitude to work independently with excellent time management skills.
• Work effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships. 
• Take initiative and strengthen relationships with current and new community partners. 
• Must pass a background study with the Department of Human Services, a drug test, clean driving record and have reliable transportation to use for work driving purposes (e.g., in-office, on-site training locations, etc.).

How you’ll be spending your time:

• Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment. Provide follow-up and ongoing support to ensure individuals maintain employment and meet their professional goals.
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers.
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to ensure effective and person-centered services. Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals.
• Tracking and documenting client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including but not limited to DHS 245D, 9554, Extended Employment, and CARF guidelines. Report on outcomes. 
• Arranging and/or providing necessary transportation to and from community sites in conjunction with other staff and team members. May be required to drive own car.
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to the most inclusive employment and social opportunities for individuals.
• Managing billable time and ensure billing is completed accurately and timely.
• Attending regular team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy changes, and service delivery standards.
• Following safety procedures and assist in identifying safety needs for self and others. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED. Degree in human services or a related field, or one year experience, or a combination of education and experience to equal one year.
• Fluent in English, verbal and written.
• Proficienc