Step by Step, Inc is seeking an applicant that has the ability to creatively and independently assist individuals with disabilities find and maintain competitive integrated employment. Excellent communication, written, and computer proficiency is required. In this position you will develop relationships with individuals, families, employers, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Office of Developmental Programs. Hours will vary based on the needs of the individual, so flexibility is necessary. You must have a reliable vehicle, that is licensed and insured.

Responsibilities:

Meets with and conducts presentation to potential referral service to generate program referrals.

Completes program intakes and establishes all eligibility requirements. Makes referrals to appropriate funding sources when necessary.

Works with all program referrals and team members to evaluate and establish creative solutions to vocational barriers faced by persons with disabilities and severe disabilities.

Conducts and coordinates all pre-placement assessments using the Marc Gold Assessment Tool and/or the Person-Centered Employment Planning approach. Arranges approval with the fund source prior to completing this process.

Essential Functions (continued):

Develops job opportunities in the community that match the program participant's preference and ability:

1.If not completed with the Marc Gold Assessment Tool and Person-Centered Placement Plan, then an in-depth interview is conducted with potential employee, family and others to develop a job placement plan.

2. Contacts and tracks potential employers for the job seeker.

3. Utilizes a marketing approach to develop job opportunities.

4. Completes job analysis through observation and interview.

5. Develops traditional and non-traditional job opportunities in the community that match program participant's skills.

6. Submits weekly employer contact sheets to supervisor.

7. Implements intensive training strategies to ensure successful placement.

A. Identifies vocation and social objectives and priority needs.

B. Provides a Systematic Training Plan.

C. Evaluates progress with employer/supervisor.

D. Evaluates program participant's job satisfaction.

E. Provides feedback to employee, co-workers, supervisor, fund sources, significant others, parents, etc.

F. Arranges for needed services.

G. Withdraws intensive training when necessary, skills are consistently demonstrated.

H. Informs fund sources in writing when intensive training begins, when it ends and when follow-up begins.

I. Completes monthly progress report to all funding sources.

n Implements a tri-level maintenance program of follow up:

1. Maintains contact with the employer twice a month for program participants with severe disabilities, and at least once a month for program participants with disabilities, until the case is stable and ready for closure.

2. Maintains monthly contact with the family/or significant other.

3. Arranges for re-training to accommodate any changes in the job at new position.

4. Completes monthly progress reports to all funding sources.

5. Communicates clearly with all involved parties.

Accurately completes all data collection and billing forms, monthly progress reports and other necessary written records. Maintains individual files on each program participant, ensuring information in files is current and up-to-date.

Accurately records billable time with persons and submits billable time sheets weekly to supervisor (it is expected that a minimum of 137.5 hours per month will be spent in direct service to program participants, in appropriate billable services approved by the funding sources).

Orients industry/business personnel to the benefits in hiring persons with disabilities.

Attends local task force and business advisory council meetings as needed. Delivers presentations to these groups on the new vocation program.

Works as a back-up to other Community Employment Specialists to ensure services are provided in a timely manner.

Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager (Supportive Employment).

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma/GED equivalent

Secondary education and/or experience in the human service field preferred.

Step By Step is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Step By Step, we are committed to and value an inclusive and diverse workforce and we believe that diversity and inclusion among our workforce is critical to our success. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, political affiliation, parental status and any other characteristics or protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. All employment decisions are based upon qualifications, merit, and business necessity.