Employment Specialist - Full Time [Norristown/King of Prussia]

Position: Employment Specialist
Department: Mission Services
Reports to: Employment Services Manager
Status: Non-Exempt

Goodwill Keystone Area is committed to creating a culture of belonging where all people feel respected and valued. This is because we celebrate the diversity of thought, the richness of the human experience and the desire to reflect the communities we serve.

Summary
Develops and implements an individualized plan to assist individuals with disabilities and other barriers to independence prepare for, obtain, and retain employment in the community. Utilizes evidenced-based practices, including effective job preparation and retention strategies for individuals with disabilities and other barriers, to support the successful completion of initial and return-to-work goals. Cultivates relationships with the local business community to support the employment objectives of clients and to promote the mission of Goodwill Keystone Area (GKA).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops a consumer driven Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) with individuals and their supports that identifies an employment goal and the short- and long-term objectives to reaching and maintaining that goal.
• Provides services in support of the IEP goal including, but not limited to, assisting individuals develop appropriate career goals, complete resumes and job applications, develop job interviewing skills, disclose disability, and request job accommodations.
• Works with individuals to develop basic work soft skills and appropriate problem-solving and coping skills to aid in job retention.
• Utilizes evidenced-based strategies to support the successful employment and job retention of individuals with disabilities, including on-the-job training/coaching techniques, Customized Employment, Informational Interviews with local businesses, and paid community-based work assessments.
• Employs a variety of networking and information-gathering techniques with the business community to promote GKA’s mission and help individuals achieve the best job match possible. Understands and utilizes local labor market information to help individuals make informed career choices.
• Engages funding sources, community resources, family members, and other supports of the individual’s choosing to seek solutions to barriers to employment, including transportation and child care coordination, benefits and budget counseling, personal counseling, medical services, and housing coordination.
• Completes service delivery and documentation according to compliance standards established by GKA, funding sources, and governmental agencies pursuant to applicable state and federal law. Completes all paperwork accurately, timely, and professionally according to standards of documentation established by GKA, funding sources, and others.
• Understands the major legislation and policy influencing the employment of people with disabilities and other barriers to employment and can integrate this information into service delivery strategies.
• Coordinates and attends meetings as required/requested that support the employment goals of individuals served. Attends training that supports and enhances core job responsibilities.
• As appropriate, serves on interdepartmental committees to integrate and promote Mission services within GKA.
• Promotes an environment of workplace safety by training and informing others regarding safety standards/precautions. Monitors safety and takes corrective action. Ensures that regulatory safety requirements are adhered to.
• Communicates progress, problems, and concerns to the Employment Services Manager.