Job Title: Community Employment and Outreach Specialist

Department: Career Development Program

Reports To: Employment and Community Outreach Coordinator

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB: Each person served in the Career Development Program (CDP) develops goals and outcomes through the Person-Centered Plan process reflective of their talents, interests, skills, and abilities, promoting full acceptance of people with disabilities. The Community Employment and Outreach Specialist (CEOS) empowers and supports people to live lives of value and purpose in their communities in socially valued roles. The CEOS works with each person to create an individualized schedule, reflective of the participant’s choosing while helping develop volunteer, work, social, and recreational opportunities. The CEOS fosters positive community relationships and engages in individualized job development and placement, facilitating a pathway to employment. NCIA partners with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and works under the direction of the Community Employment and Outreach Coordinator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assists the Community Employment and Outreach Coordinator in developing individualized schedules for each person served, reflecting daily opportunities to integrate into the community.

• Optimizes participant access to the most integrated and least restrictive setting, promoting full participation in community life, choice, and independence.
• Researches and identifies job opportunities, including unadvertised openings, the untapped job market, and entrepreneurial opportunities, including self-employment. May involve driving participants to research opportunities.
• Provides intensive to fading support to the new employee.
• Trains 1:1 staff on job coaching expectations.
• Provides on-the-job training to the employee and follow-up support with the employer.
• Develops on-the-job support strategies, including accommodations as necessary, the use of universal design and assistive technology, and assistance with the application and interview process.
• Supports the employee in the orientation and the onboarding process, including assistance with documentation and training on the employer’s procedures and expectations.
• Assists people in developing self-determination, self-awareness, and self-advocacy skills while supporting the development of social skills.
• Under the direction of the CEOC, provides Discovery milestones to help gain a preview of interests and vocational skills while providing a realistic preview of employment.
• Creates customized employment work opportunities that meet the needs of the employer while ensuring a good fit for the supported employee.
• Creates opportunities for career exploration, discovery, and work internships.
• Develops a weekly schedule of meaningful activities that are reflective of the PCP and demonstrate individualized and incremental progress toward stated goals.
• Fosters independence and assists people in acquiring new skills, including travel, training, and learning how to access public transit.
• Assists the coordinator on DORS authorizations as assigned, including acquiring job placement, job retention, and stabilization.
• Completes appropriate documentation and reporting of incidents according to agency policy for Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and implements Individual Behavior Plans.
• Successfully completes all training required by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), including CPR/First Aid and MANDT.
• Responds to crisis situations expediently and provides the appropriate input and support needed to resolve the situation.
• Exhibits ability and willingness to perform and assist with functions of daily living, including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene functions.
• Maintains assigned records, data collection, daily participation and behavioral logs with accuracy within required timelines, including completing documentation of incidents according to the DDA Policy of Reportable Incidents and Investigations.
• Exhibits flexibility and enthusiasm in performing assigned duties. Be a positive role model for individuals and Agency staff.
• Works cooperatively with others including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, people served, community professionals, customers, vendors, and the public.
• Attends work regularly according to the assigned work schedule and in accordance with Agency policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions:

• Required to drive own or agency vehicle.Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university plus one-year related experience; or three years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have reliable transportation and an acceptable driving record as determined by the criteria established by the Agency's insurance carrier and Agency policy.
• Computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• ACRE trained and CESP Certified within 6 months of hire.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record as determined by the criteria established by the Agency's insurance carrier and Agency policy.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently; to prioritize tasks and organize work efficiently.
• Ability to motivate people and be sensitive to their needs.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with patients and staff.
• Possess strong motivational and social skills.
• Ability to think critically and make sound business decisions, ability to solve problems creatively and promptly.
• Ability to prevent and manage crisis situations involving persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrate a positive, professional appearance and attitude, sensitivity to participants’ issues and feelings, and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of planning, coordinating and implementation of an activities program.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral); strong organizational skills.

Physical Demands:

• Walking significant distances.
• Running occasionally.
• Standing for a significant amount of time, up to two hours occasionally.
• Lifting or pushing 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.
• Frequent reaching, stooping, grasping, balancing, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to stay awake and attentive throughout the entire shift.
• Operating machines, motor vehicles, and job-specific equipment and tools.
• Sufficient visual acuity to observe general surroundings and activities of Individuals.
• Sufficient hearing ability to accurately perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Safely work in situations of exposure to bloodborne pathogens that may require specialized protective equipment provided by the agency.

Work Environment:

• Both indoor and outdoor environments.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Windsor Mill, MD 21244: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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