Vocational Specialist - Pittsburgh, United States - Progress City

Description

Job Description

Looking for a new opportunity? Our team is growing, and we are seeking professionals who are passionate about moving autism service delivery forward. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

Our success as a company depends on the workplace community that we build together. We apply innovative approaches for service delivery, support and care for our team members through professional and organizational development opportunities, and strive for excellence through innovation. We hope you'll consider joining our team

Working with Progress City / Autism Employment Network

We're obsessed with progress and committed to moving autism service delivery forward through new and innovative approaches. We believe in providing a healthy work environment for all team members and work hard to remove administrative obstacles that hinder the work you have a passion for. But what does that look like? Here's a glimpse:

• To increase the health and wellbeing of our team, we offer 100% company paid health premiums for full-time employees. That means there is no out of pocket premium cost for the employee's medical, dental, and vision coverage. You may add family members for an additional cost if you choose.
• We also provide company-paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance coverage. You will have the option of adding voluntary Long-Term Disability coverage if you choose.
• For day-to-day service delivery, we issue cellular connected iPads to all field staff to use during your session for collaborative documentation greatly reducing the paperwork requirements after sessions. We also currently have two employment training sites and we work with a number of small businesses to secure work opportunities for our participants. We're always looking for opportunities to make accomplishing client goals more effective, efficient, and productive.
• We offer support and supervision with clinical expertise to make sure you have the support and resources you need to be successful with your clients.
• We know you work hard and deserve time to refresh and recharge so we offer paid time off and paid holidays to all staff regularly working over 20 hours per week.
  
  

Position Summary

The Vocational Support Specialist is responsible for providing job-readiness and coaching services through Progress City/Autism Employment Network (AEN). The purpose of these programs is to prepare participants for sustainable career opportunities, and assist them in obtaining competitive employment. This will include implementing established processes and use of program-specific resources designed to support adults with Autism/neurodivergent individuals in a variety of workplace settings. This includes identifying individual abilities & interests, coaching on critical workplace skills, modeling appropriate social interactions, redirecting perseverative behaviors, preparing for following written procedures and work instructions, interpreting environmental cues, identifying sensory needs, and discussing accommodations.

Essential Duties:

• Works directly with individuals or teams of adults on the Autism Spectrum to prepare for and assist with obtaining employment that aligns with the individual's interests, skills, and abilities.
• Provides timely communication to participants and schedules services and meetings in accordance with established program timelines.
• Completes Individual Work Plans (IWPs) to identify career interests, soft skills, understand environmental preferences and accommodation needs, and to set individualized goals with the participant. Develops Supported Employment plans as assigned.
• Conducts workplace observations and provides direct training, support, and coaching for program participants in a variety of settings.
• Leads Paid Work Experience (PWE) sessions for groups of OVR participants based on their individual needs and available workplace experiences.
• Supports and models effective workplace communications, task completion, and problem solving with participants.
• Manages time and appointments to ensure consistent and effective service delivery in accordance with program timelines.
• Communicates with program leadership regarding employer outreach needs and opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participates in the development or delivery of Professional Connection Experience camp programs for transition-age youth, as assigned. Topics will include preparing for employment, self-advocacy and appropriate communications regarding reasonable accommodations, as well as workplace expectations.
• Participates in required company training, meetings, and supervision/support calls as recommended by the program Director.
• Complies with relevant safety, hygiene, and service standards and procedures at all worksite locations.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.
• Certifications: ACRE certification required within 18 months of employment.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to work with neurodiverse and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills to interact with program participants, supervisors, representatives from AEN employers, other vocational or natural supports for the participant, and AEN leadership.
    
• Physical Requirements:
  • Essential tasks will be performed in a variety of settings, and will require ability to work from a sedentary position (for example - sitting or standing), as well as ability to move throughout the worksite.
    
  • Must possess a valid PA Drivers' License and have access to a vehicle in order to transport clients as assigned. If transporting an adult participant, have a valid driver's license and automobile insurance with 100/300 coverage.
  • Must be able and willing to adhere to safety/PPE requirements (i.e. gloves, masks, safety glasses, hand-washing procedures, etc.) in workplace environments.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexible availability is preferred, including occasional evening and weekend availability to support individuals in workplace environments as scheduled.
• Must be able to obtain current Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances (depending on residency) with no prohibitive offenses as defined by the Office of Developmental Programs.
• Progress City is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees, our program participants and their families, as well as our community at large. As a result, all Progress City employees are required to submit proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This mandatory vaccine policy will be administered in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Any employee or applicant for employment who is requesting exemption from this policy due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief must complete a Request for Accommodation form which can be obtained by contacting Human Resources.
  

Progress City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age (40 or above), ancestry, citizenship, veteran status or any other classification protected by law.