PATHPOINT

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Employment Specialist

Exempt: NoShift: Variable

Location: All DivisionsDepartment: Employment Services

Hours/week: 40Supervisor: Employment Services Manager

Approved By: Lynn Storey Date: 5-1-15

SUMMARY: Procures employment for individuals or small groups of individuals who have disabilities or are economically disadvantaged by performing the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

Group

Procures employment and drafts contracts appropriate for individuals in Integrated Work Services (IWK) or Group Supported Employment (GSE).

For contract work: Is responsible for contract development, performance monitoring and contract renegotiation (as needed).

Works with Program Coordinator to evaluate the work site, determine feasibility, and perform task analyses.

For direct hire groups (GSE): Is responsible for ensuring the group hiring process results in a team able to meet the work standard of the employer.

Responsible for maintaining good customer relations throughout the life of the employment collaboration.

For sub-minimum wage contracts, conducts prevailing wage surveys at least annually and assesses impact on the wages paid and on the terms of the contract.

Individual

Secures placements for individuals referred by the Department of Rehabilitation.

Secures sites for external situational assessments as needed.

Performs pre-employment counseling with individuals to establish vocational goals, timelines, and responsibilities.

Responsible for setting-up and maintaining a placement file for every individual authorized for pre-placement. Completes and submits a Pre-Placement Report for each individual on a roster monthly.

Assists the individual with résumé preparation, cover letters, and job applications. Contacts local employers, arranges interviews, and accompanies the individual to interviews as requested. Consults with the Program Coordinator for DSP-Job Coach matching and the level of intervention required.

Both Individual and Group

Generates leads and lists of prospective employers appropriate to people of varying interests and strengths supported through PathPoint’s variety of program models.

Job Description Employment Specialist (cont.)

Both Individual and Group (cont.)

Develops and maintains positive relationships with funding agencies and business leaders in both public and private sectors.

Acts as a resource to employers concerning the ADA, tax credits, and other questions they may have concerning the hiring persons with disabilities.

Promotes PathPoint and the hiring of individuals who have disabilities or are economically disadvantaged through speaking to community groups, newspaper releases/articles, and other media resources.

Attends business and community functions as approved by VP/Director.Attends staff meetings and in-service training.

Provides direct coverage/coaching support as-needed.

Safety & Security:

  • Reads, learns and knows the PathPoint Safety Handbook.
  • Promotes a safe and healthy work environment for self, individuals, other employees and community.

Performance Expectations

See the current commission agreement for placement expectations and job retention goals. That agreement is considered an addendum to the job description.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) form a four-year college or university in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field. Excellent organization, writing, and verbal communication skills required. Must have excellent public relations skills. Requires outside sales experience. Knowledge of disabilities and economic disadvantages desirable. Must have valid California Driver’s License, clean DMV, criminal record clearance through the DOJ, and the use of own automobile for the job. Must have computer skills sufficient to compose letters and contracts, track commissions, and use email.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  1. Communication
  • Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively. Listens and seeks clarification as needed; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs and target audience.
  • Engaging personality, able to relate to people at all levels.
  1. Community and Relationship Development
  • Promotes PathPoint and the people we serve in a positive and professional manner.
  • Develops and strengthens relationships with community and business leaders.

Job Description Employment Specialist (cont.)

  1. Sales/Negotiations and Business Acumen
  • Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and defines outcomes; Develops realistic action plans and communicates progress
  • Applies creativity, analytical thinking and problem solving skills to assess local job markets and business operations, methods & systems that would benefit from our services
  • Demonstrates the ability to do a sales presentation
  • Ability to “read” the employer, answers unasked questions, guide the conversation and turn an employer concern into a close.
  • Able to balance the perspectives and desires of stakeholders, negotiating win-win outcomes
  • Understands EEO regulations and promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Knows how to competitively price our service.
  1. Supported Employment Industry Knowledge (program designs, funders, people served)
  • Understands and is able to explain group and individual models of supported employment.
  • Able to assess company culture including architectural, attitudinal and cultural barriers to employment for people with disabilities
  • Believes in the ability of people receiving services; uses strength based approach and language.
  • Able to engage the individual, the family and funding agencies in a conversation that both supports individual choice and goals while educating them on the reality of the requirements and demands of any given position
  • Able to put to rest employer fears, (job coaching, can they do the job, can the employer terminate, how does job coaching work, will they be in the way).
  1. Professionalism & Ethics
  • Honesty: Does not promise something the individual or agency cannot deliver.
  • Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and upholds organizational values.
  • Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. Must be able to communicate by phone and computer and be able to travel within the county during the work day.

I have read the job description and am able to perform the duties listed.

______

Employee Signature Date