Communitas Supportive CareJune 1, 2017

POSTING #2899

TITLE: Customized Employment Specialist – Abbotsford Works

LOCATION: Abbotsford Works, Abbotsford, BC

REPORTS TO: Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY

This permanent full-time 37.5 hr/week position reports to the Communitas Program Director as well as daily reporting to the Work BC Abbotsford Program Manager. The Customized Employment Specialist will provide intensive job development services for Abbotsford Works clients who require unique or customized employment arrangements. The Specialist will utilize a client-centred strength based approach, and will assist individuals to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: competitive employment, sustainable self-employment, unpaid work placements, or long term community attachment positions.

Hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

  • Develop community relations with potential employers to create group opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and individual placements for eligible clients
  • Perform administrative duties such as documentation of activity and services and maintenance of client case files
  • Participate in reviews and goal planning for all participants
  • Transport clients to interviews/meetings with prospective employers
  • Liaise with Case Manager and referral sources
  • Develop Vocational Profiles that include information on client work preferences and strengths, preferred communication style, safety concerns, suggested job tasks, potential employers, and recommendations for training supports (Discovery process).
  • Obtain Vocational Profile information through interviews with clients, family members, reference checks with agency professionals and previous employers/volunteer hosts, and observation in work, volunteer or practicum environments.
  • Conduct employment planning meetings with jobseekers and their network to summarize the Vocational Profile and facilitate support from stakeholders
  • Meet with employers to gather information on workplace needs through informational interviews and site observation, and to negotiate unique/customized employment opportunities or business proposals (self- employment) on behalf of clients.
  • Arrange employer introductions as well as unpaid work experiences to conduct work simulation, assess employment readiness or to provide work exposure (BCEA clients)
  • Provide one-to-one support during worksite simulations and assessments
  • Determine on-the-job supports that will be needed for employment placements, including natural supports
  • Monitor client progress during work placements; maintain a liaison with the employer, Job Developer, and Abbotsford Works Case Manager.
  • Arrange a monitoring schedule and maintain progress reports.
  • Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

  • Relevant Post-Secondary education in employment and disability services or combination of education and experience
  • RRP, RVP or RCSS certification through the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada is an asset or willing to obtain
  • A philosophy of service that is in line with Communitas’ Vision, Mission and Values
  • Experience providing direct services to job seekers with disabilities, including cognitive, mental health, and brain injuries
  • Experience in working within a performance-based contract environment
  • Proven ability to work effectively and achieve results with challenging clientele, including persons with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural barriers
  • Completion of seminars related to job development/customized employment
  • Knowledge of local labour market
  • Marketing, promotional ability, counselling and interviewing skills
  • Understanding of worksite supports and accommodations that may benefit individuals with disabilities
  • Demonstrated strengths in Outlook, Microsoft Office, Data Base Computer Skills and Integrated Case Management System
  • Own vehicle and a valid Class 5 BC driver’s license
  • Knowledge of a second language is an asset

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: June 16, 2017

POSITION START DATE: ASAP

RESPOND IN WRITING TO:Leslie Friesen, HR Recruitment Coordinator

Email: