CLP-E Employment Specialist

This permanent, full-time position (38hrs/wk) assists people with developmental disabilities to discover and obtain a vocational position that matches their skills and abilities. The Employment Specialist will facilitate the discovery and assessment process, as well as engage with prospective employers to ascertain their needs in order to determine suitable matches. The Employment Specialist will foster relationships with employers to help employers realize the benefits of hiring well matched job seekers for their business needs. The specialist will work with a diverse age group of people with a diverse range of abilities.

TASKS PERFORMED

• Facilitate the discovery and assessment process for job seekers.
• Assist job seekers to develop transferable job skills.
• Support job seekers in finding relevant work experience that will lead to eventual job placement.
• Create and facilitate training sessions for job seekers.
• Develop relationships with businesses and employers to secure meaningful employment for job seekers, while promoting awareness of the contributions that people who have disabilities bring to the workplace.
• Develop and maintain the database for current and potential employers.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local labor market trends.
• Observe, evaluate, identify and report any concerns in job seekers’ behaviour to Employment Services Manager.
• Maintain current and accurate documentation regarding job seeker’s progress/outcomes reporting.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, job seekers and other community partners.
• Collaborate and liaise with other professionals and community service organizations as needed.
• Attend work related trainings and staff meetings as required.
• Attend business networking meetings and events as needed (i.e., Chamber of Commerce).
• Market the benefits of hiring someone with a disability by networking with the community and employers.
• Create reports for and liaise with funders such as Community Living BC.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Career Development Practitioner Certificate/Diploma, Social Services Certificate or equivalent preferred.
• Demonstrated success in facilitating supported, customized employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Previous experience supporting people with developmental disabilities as an Employment Specialist.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with the business community regarding labour market opportunities.
• Current understanding of labour market trends and factors that influence it.
•  A philosophy of service that is in line with Communitas’ Vision, Mission and Values.
• Motivational and positive approach to coaching job seekers.
• Skilled in building rapport quickly and effectively with employers and job seekers.
• Creative in identifying employer needs and sourcing employment opportunities through a variety of methods.
• Demonstrated skills in crisis management and conflict resolution.
• Creative problem solver with sound judgment, sensitivity and strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Excellent at working as a team & independently, maintaining honest, direct and respectful working relationships.
• Outgoing personality that can develop relationships and positively represent Communitas to the business community and potential employers.
• Ability to observe, record and evaluate change in job seeker behaviour.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, mediation, interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Administrative and computer skills to support documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Proficiency with Office 365 tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to develop program related reference & resource material.
• Ability to organize tasks, prioritize and manage time effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage emergencies/crisis in a calm and effective manner taking all precautionary measures.
• Possession of an Emergency First Aid/CPR certificate, and Class 5 Drivers License.

Here's what you can expect:

• Competitive wages
• Generous benefits package for full-time employees
• Opportunity for growth
• On-the-job training and support

Salary:  $29.36-$31.35 hourly