Supported Employment Specialist presso REACH, Inc.

Benefits:

• Paid holidays
• Personal and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA (personal & dependent care)
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible schedule

About the Role:

The Supported Employment Specialist plays a critical role in empowering individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment by providing personalized support and guidance throughout their job search and employment journey. This position focuses on identifying suitable job opportunities, facilitating job placements, and offering ongoing assistance to ensure long-term employment success. The specialist collaborates closely with employers, clients, and community resources to create inclusive work environments and address any challenges that arise. By fostering independence and confidence in clients, the role significantly contributes to improving their quality of life and economic self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the Supported Employment Specialist serves as a vital advocate and resource, bridging the gap between job seekers and meaningful employment in the Juneau community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Driving is a requirement of this position: possess a current/valid Alaska Driver’s License; have been a licensed driver for not less than 5 years and provide Agency with proof of current Auto Insurance Coverage and a successful State Motor Vehicle “Full History” Driver’s Report, prior to employment.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or employment barriers in a vocational or support capacity.
• Strong understanding of supported employment principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage clients, employers, and team members.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain detailed records in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP).
• Familiarity with local labor market trends and employer networks in Juneau, Alaska.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Proficiency in additional languages or cultural competency relevant to the community served.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand clients' skills, interests, and employment goals.
• Develop individualized employment plans tailored to each client's unique needs and aspirations.
• Identify and establish relationships with local employers to create job opportunities and promote inclusive hiring practices.
• Provide job coaching, training, and support to clients before, during, and after job placement to ensure successful integration and retention.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including vocational counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers, to coordinate services and resources.
• Monitor client progress and adjust support strategies as needed to address challenges and promote sustained employment.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reports in compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• Advocate for clients' rights and accommodations in the workplace to foster equitable employment conditions.
• Supervise team of Job Coaches 
  • This includes providing ongoing training, completing performance evaluations according to agency policy, facilitating regular staff meetings and maintaining current employment agreements.
  • Monitor progress notes, mileage reports and day sheets on an ongoing basis for accuracy, timeliness and content.
  • Create and maintain daily schedules for all staff and clients.

Skills:

The Supported Employment Specialist utilizes strong communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with clients and employers, ensuring clear understanding of needs and expectations. Problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing employment barriers and customizing support strategies that promote client success. Organizational skills enable the specialist to manage multiple client cases efficiently while maintaining compliance with documentation standards. Knowledge of vocational assessment and job coaching techniques is applied to guide clients through skill development and workplace integration. Additionally, collaboration and advocacy skills are critical for coordinating with community partners and securing necessary accommodations, fostering an inclusive employment environment.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass the pre-employment background check and maintain the ability to pass throughout employment with REACH.
• Achieve First Aid/CPR and Bloodborne Pathogen certification within 30 days of employment and maintain certification throughout employment.

REACH, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements REACH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, and compensation and training.

This Position Description reflects the best efforts of REACH to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of the job.