Employment Specialist

AbilityPath is hiring an Employment Specialist!

Opportunities available in the South and North Bay

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing job training and job coaching for AbilityPath participants who currently hold independent employment in the community. The Employment Specialist also establishes relationships with community employers to create job opportunities and works with job seekers to provide training, support and case management to ensure successful placement and retention.

ABOUT US:

We are a non-profit organization that provides a variety of programs and a lifespan of services for individuals with disabilities. Our mission to accept, respect, and include people of all abilities extends to every member of our community. We are committed to the lifelong process of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning and application to build a more inclusive culture, where everyone plays a role in advancing DEI. We will always have work to do, and we look forward to doing it TOGETHER!

WHAT WE OFFER:

At AbilityPath, we support a well-rounded career experience with a focus on career development, collaboration, employee wellness, and employee recognition, including the below benefits and opportunities for staff:

• Up to 4 weeks of PTO

• 10 paid holidays*

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision benefits upon hire*

• 401(k) plan with employer match

• Performance bonuses

• Educational reimbursement benefit with ongoing professional development and growth opportunities

• Full-time staff only

WHAT WE VALUE:

• Passion for the mission

• Interest in working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Effective and open communication, thoughtfulness, and ability to adapt

• Shared commitment to DEI in creating a community where all members can represent themselves authentically

We strongly encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and any multiply marginalized people to apply. AbilityPath is committed to recruiting and retaining diversity among our staff teams.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Deliver on-the-job training to clients in learning new tasks, adapting to the workplace environment, and establishing normalized work routines to support individualized outcomes

• Carry out job development activities, including but not limited to: networking, marketing, identification of potential placement opportunities, touring of companies, identification of business decision makers, building and maintaining business relationships, and securing positions for trainees.

• Support participants in the person centered planning process; identify individual learning styles, skills, strengths and job preferences, and develop individual service plans.

• Oversee case management, schedule and facilitate participant annual meetings as needed

• Assist in the development of training programs to ensure trainees' work performance meets employer standards

• Assist in the development and implementation of trainees' annual goals and track progress

• Participate in organization functions and attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled

• Maintain professional relationships and provide excellent customer service with employers, Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) Counselors, families, care givers, and trainees

• Ensure a safe work environment for participants according to general safety standards

• Comply with participant's rights, AbilityPath and program policies, CARF standards, NPS compliance, CCL regulations, CAL-OSHA, quality assurance standards, etc.

• Must act as a Mandated Reporter, and responsible to report any known or suspected adult/child abuse

• Must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and law

• Ability to provide engaging instruction to participants with various developmental levels, skill sets, and behaviors

• Ability to respond to challenging behaviors and support behavioral plans to increase engagement

• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

In our approach to inclusive hiring, we recognize that job qualifications within hiring policies have been used to exclude candidates from marginalized backgrounds. Below is a list of Education and Work Experience that would be helpful to have in this role, however, we encourage you to apply even if you may not meet all of the listed qualifications, as any combination of lived and learned education and experience can make you a successful candidate.

• Associate's or Bachelor's in relevant field

• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Driver's License/ID

• Clean Driving Record (if applicable)

• Proof of negative TB test results

• Verification of occupational physical clearance

• Pass a criminal fingerprint clearance

• 18 years of age or job permit clearance

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

Employees have the opportunity to share access needs during the interview process, upon hire, and ongoing throughout their employment. AbilityPath recognizes that each person has unique access needs and we are committed to an ongoing evaluation process to make our organization more accessible to meet the needs of our team members.

• Ability to physically respond to adults with developmental disabilities

• Ability to lift/support at least 40 lbs as needed

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, and bend frequently

• Ability to walk for extended periods of time and support adults with developmental disabilities on community outings

• Ability to drive company vehicles to transport participants

• Ability to sit and keyboard as needed

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

AbilityPath is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry (including language-use restrictions and possession of a driver's license), citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, or other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. AbilityPath will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination against, harassment of, or disrespectful or unprofessional conduct toward an employee based upon any of the protected characteristics listed above or based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.

Via Services is now affiliated with AbilityPath, thriving together to provide a lifetime of opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more at abilitypath.org/affiliationFAQ.

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