Assist individuals to find community employment opportunities. Responsible for the overall coordination of skill training and assessments relating to an individual employment goal. Work directly with persons supported and staff regarding employment issues, skill development and training.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed
below:
• Actively seek job opportunities through the internet, resumes sent, job fairs, cold calls, mailings, walk-ins, networking, presentations to civic organizations, and other creative methods.
• Locate and develop community contacts to assist in job tours, situational assessments, job placement and follow -up for individuals. Identify strengths and interests of individuals for use in appropriate job matches. Develop training focused on identified skills.
• Respond to issues of and persons served, as needed. Conduct annual employer satisfaction survey.
• Oversee or provide transportation of persons served to work sites.
• Oversee and maintain all vocational assessments including the career planning assessment and vocational summary. Maintain record of all placements, contact staff and other pertinent data.
• Provide regular onsite and community training for staff, persons served, and employers regarding employment issues.
• Direct and manage activities of Job Coaches. Provide direction, training, and coaching; conduct performance planning and review sessions; provide guidance on individuals’ career development.
• Oversee the process for payment as it relates to enclaves. Maintain related files and records.
• Monitor adherence to company safety standards and safety issues in the community employment placements.
• Assist in the preparation of documentation and records for CARF, DDS Survey & Certification, Board of Health, Vinfen Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation.
• Oversee data collection by Job Coaches weekly. Complete supported employment monthly reports.
• Provide education and support to families, guardians, DDS and residential staff about community
employment. Works collaboratively with residential provider, families and other involved parties to ensure consistency in employment efforts.
• Participate in Job Developer meetings and statewide job development forums.
• Ensure job retention through completion of scheduled job placement visits and notes.
• Responsible for overseeing the Employment Resource Center.
• Participate in vocational cluster meetings.
• Assist in orientation of new staff.
• Assist individuals to access benefits counseling.
• Works collaboratively with agency clinicians to develop sustainable approaches to teaching adaptive behavior.
• Works collaboratively with DSD Supported Employment Director to strategies specific to enhancing Vinfen’s employment initiative.
• Provide crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of applied behavior analysis with special needs population
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of available community resources, job and training opportunities
• Ability to create strategies for persons served
• Knowledge of documentation requirements
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills
• Presentation skills
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Ability to provide leadership to staff
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to act as a positive role model
• Knowledge of human, civil, and legal Rights
• Extensive knowledge of different types of Supported Employment

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements:
Three to five years’ experience in a related function.

Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, special education, or related. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.

Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.

Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.

Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.

Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand and move around the facility.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications:
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAP required within 90 days of hire
Safety Care required within 90 days of hire
NET required