Employment Specialist

Are you detail oriented? Are you good at building relationships, building trust? Do you like problem solving and being creative? Accord serves individuals with disabilities, and we are looking for an Employment Specialist to join our team. Serving people in the Minneapolis / St Paul / Surrounding Suburbs Working as an Employment Specialist: You remove barriers, you create relationships, and you are the key to helping others find success in their lives. You want to work in an ever-changing environment where each day is different! You are organized and passionate about helping people. You like flexibility, working both remotely and in person, willing to help out on nights/weekends on occasion You like problem solving and enjoy a good challenge. Some of the Job Details: Hold a caseload of individuals whom you get to know, support, and champion. Provide flexible, individualized employment supports, offering employment services in three different areas: Exploration/Discovery: Help a person gain a better understanding of competitive, integrated employment opportunities in the community. Exploration activities and experiences strengthen a person’s knowledge, interests and preferences so he/she can make informed decisions about competitive employment. Employment exploration includes individualized educational activities, learning opportunities, work experiences, and additional related services identified in the person’s coordinated services and supports plan (CSSP). Development:  Provide individualized services designed to help a person achieve competitive, integrated employment, become self-employed or establish a microenterprise business in his/her community. Support:  Provide individualized services and supports that help people maintain paid employment in community businesses/settings. Employment support services occur in integrated community settings. Engage in communication with support teams, planning, and represent Accord. Attend meetings, advocate for the person you serve, and provide them with training. You will become credentialed in the MN Employment Services field. Go to the job sites and support the person when needed. Organize the details- help schedule, set up transportation (which could include driving people supported in your own vehicle), talk with employers, etc. Write reports, and maintain licensing requirements. You will explore, develop, and use your creative talents to help people find work. Requirements MUST HAVE Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills as well as time management skills. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and a vehicle. Must pass a Department of Human Services background study. If you hold a Social Work degree, you must be currently licensed as a Social Worker as required by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. PREFERRED You need passion to make a difference, and the desire to learn. As outlined by Minnesota statute Chapter 245 D section 8 you must meet one of the qualifications listed below (and provide documentation of them including a copy of the degree earned and your transcript showing the date awarded and the degree earned and a resume which documents the year(s) of direct care experience and populations supported): A four-year bachelor’s degree in a field related to human services and one year of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR  An associate degree in a field related to human services and two years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR A diploma in a field related to human services from an accredited postsecondary institution and three years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities and four years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older under the supervision of a staff person who meets the qualification identified above.  Work Environment Typical work days are Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, some evenings or weekends for support as needed. 40 hour work week. Mostly in the community with people we support. A supportive and interactive work team. Benefits Compensation range from $20.00-22.00/hour and benefit package with PTO, 9 paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, NO COST short & long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plan options, employee wellness program, tuition assistance program, career advancement, mileage reimbursement for providing direct services, a positive, friendly work environment and much more. #AccordJobs