Employment Specialist – Disabled / Deaf & Hard of Hearing Population (Vance Jackson/410)
People with disabilities face many challenges when searching for employment. For example, some companies are reluctant to hire a person with a disability due to preconceived notions of the individual's ability or inability to complete job duties. In addition when hired, people with disabilities are sometimes assigned to positions for which they are over qualified. Often times, employers do not believe that a person with disabilities can manage the responsibilities of a more demanding role. These and other obstacles prevent willing and qualified candidates from contributing to the workplace, developing their professional skills, and leading fulfilling lives. Disability Employment Specialists help these individuals confront social stigmas encountered during job searches, and help to find employment suitable to their skills and professional development.
When assisting with a job search, Employment Specialists identify job opportunities for the individual and help he/her contact employers. Employment Specialists also provide interview preparation. In addition, Employment Specialists can be found advocating in various arenas on behalf of their clients.
Successful Employment Specialists are dynamic professionals who can comfortably work with people with disabilities, minority populations, and under-served groups. In addition, previous experience working with, and advocating for, people with disabilities is helpful.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Identifies potential employers with a focus of developing employment opportunities for program participants
• Keeps abreast of employer satisfaction by contacting employers regularly to provide placement follow-up as well as follow up to ensure participant satisfaction (all efforts must be documented)
• Recruits, assess, places and conducts employment readiness training when necessary
• Assists with the coordination of employment related events/activities; Career Fairs/Employer Advisory Committee, etc.
• Builds a relationship with participant's in order to build bridges to future long term job retention.
• Collects employment verifications from employers, participants and or services (i.e. Work Number, etc.)
• Provides Case Management support to assist participants eliminate barriers that can interfere with job retention
• Researches periodic reports of employment opportunities and employment trends in the labor market
• Prepares written reports on job placements, intakes, support analysis and other required documentation.
• Attends all appropriate meetings including traveling to state department offices to conduct job planning meetings and interviews with clients.
The Employment Specialist has
• a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or a related human services field; and
• one year's documented experience in a professional or personal setting routinely working with people with disabilities.
* Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and verification of safe driving record from DMV.
Computer proficient — Microsoft Word, Internet Research, Online Application and Assessment procedures, E-mail, Resume Development.
**We are currently seeking a professional to fill a position working specifically with our Deaf and Hard of Hearing client base and require an individual who is proficient in ASL (will be evaluated) and has experience working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals. **
Please indicate your salary history and requirements in your cover letter and if you are seeking part-time or full-time employment.
Location: San Antonio area
Alison L. Kittenplan
Email: [email protected]
Vocational Resources Center, Inc.
Employment Specialist/Job Coach
& Vocational Adjustment Trainer
4402 Vance Jackson Road Suite #260
San Antonio, Texas 78230
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