ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supported Employment
• Adhere to the “Provider Agreement” between OVR and The Arc
• Provide individuals with frequent and intensive support prior to employment, during initial employment and after the provision of OVR services to maintain employment
• Assist individuals to enter competitive integrated employment as quickly as possible, achieve stability in a competitive integrated work setting with natural supports, and move into extended services, as needed with other long-term funding sources
• Participate in trainings determined necessary by OVR
• Provide collaboration/support for employers to ensure successful placement in employment locations
  • Collaborate with potential employers to secure integrated employment locations for individuals

• Direct Support

• Maintain constant awareness of, and philosophically support the individual’s right to live their own Everyday Life
• Respect the individuals’ life decisions and assist them in making sure their decisions are upheld
• Provide direct contact hours as established by The Arc during the individuals’ programming hours
• Advocate for and provide training and direction to the individual in resolving personal problems related to living within the community
• Provide support and direction to the individual in maintaining their home
• Demonstrate knowledge of each individuals’ diverse needs by:
  • Reading each updated version of the ISP
  • Participating as a team member for the individual at their ISP meetings
  • Implementing goals as outlined in the ISP
  • Documenting goal progress (or lack of) on monthly progress reports, and ensuring that monthly progress reports are turned in on time each month
• Transport and/or provide transportation for each individual while on program to work, social events, medical appointments, etc. as indicated by the individual

• Other

• Promote agency values during and outside of office hours
• Engage in The Arc’s community in a positive and productive way
• Communicate with co-workers, management, clients, and others in a professional manner
• Conform and abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions
• All other duties as assigned

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Must be 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record. A high school diploma or equivalent education is required. Each Supported Employment Specialist is required to maintain a minimum of training hours as determined by the agency. Must also complete the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) Basic Employment Certificate.

REASONING ABILITY: Employee should have the ability to apply creative problem-solving skills and deal with problems positively in a constantly changing environment. Employee should also be able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals and adapt to communication needs as necessary. Employee should apply understanding and problem-solving skills to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit for long periods of time and walk on a very frequent basis. Employee will be required to provide direct service when available for individuals without staff, so the employee should be able to move with minimal limitations to accommodate a variety of individuals’ interests and activities.

JOB-RELATED EXPECTATIONS:

• Proficient with MS Office, including Word and Excel
• Excellent organizational skills
• Flexible schedule
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written) professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Problem-solver
• Self-motivated
• Dependable
• Manage time efficiently
• Solid decision-making skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Regular attendance required
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential information
• Strong attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
• Driving expected