Employment Specialist

Job Title: Employment Specialist
Employment Type: Full-time

About Us: The Arc of Central Alabama is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and services that help individuals live their most independent and fulfilling lives. We offer a variety of programs including residential support, day programs, employment assistance, early intervention, and behavior management.

Position Summary: We are seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist to join our team. The Employment Specialist evaluates program candidates and assists in their transition to meaningful employment. This role involves obtaining information through interviews and assessments, and networking to gather employer information. Your efforts will directly contribute to helping individuals with IDD achieve their vocational goals and enhance their independence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Candidate Evaluation: Screen candidates by conducting interviews, reviewing documents, and recording results.
• Profile Development: Develop client interest inventory profiles and assess vocational interests.
• Support Services: Assist candidates with transportation and other support service needs.
• Opportunity Identification: Identify services and opportunities in the candidate’s preferred area of work.
• Skill Assessment: Determine candidate’s skills and document all information gained.
• Job Matching: Collect and document information about available jobs, develop and maintain relationships with employers and public agencies.
• Job Development: Survey the community for job openings, arrange interviews, develop resumes, job leads, applications, and find training opportunities.
• Progress Tracking: Track progress of employees once on the job and conduct employee/employer satisfaction assessments.
• Documentation: Ensure CARF standards are met, complete documentation for invoicing, and submit monthly updates to ADRS counselors.
• Networking: Network within the community to develop job opportunities for candidates.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, vocational rehabilitation, labor relations, social work, human services, or a related field required.
• Experience: Background in employment, staffing, or business development preferred. Experience working in social services is a plus.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills and ability to work with adults with disabilities. Ability to teach and coach positively.
• Requirements: Reliable transportation for local travel, valid driver’s license, and ability to pass a background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, use hand dexterity, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
• Lifting: Must frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Vision: Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Sitting: Occasionally required to sit.

Benefits:

• Retirement & Matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday-Friday

Join The Arc of Central Alabama as an Employment Specialist and help individuals with IDD achieve their vocational goals and lead more independent lives. Apply today and make a meaningful impact in our community!