Employment Specialist - Employment Services

Arc of Greater New Orleans (ArcGNO) is one of the longest standing and most well-respected human services agencies in Louisiana. Founded in 1953 by parents who believed their children with disabilities should be included in their communities and able to pursue happiness just like everyone else.  ArcGNO continues to advance full inclusion, active participation, and social environments where each person enjoys safe and productive relationships in order to reach their full potential.

Job Details: M-F,  8:00 am - 4:00 pm (evening/weekend hours as needed)

Position Summary:

• The Employment Specialist I works to secure independent, community-based employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. They are responsible for providing and/or coordinating the assessment, job development, job placement, job coaching, and follow-along services for individuals seeking community employment. Additionally, the Employment Specialist I is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of job coaches, including training and scheduling. 

Essential Functions: 

• Serves as primary contact for participants, families, guardians, and funding agencies. 
• Produces and maintains current records as it pertains to personnel, participants, and activities. Ensures compliance with relevant standards and policies (regional, state, federal, CARF).
• Secures community employment opportunities for participants that match their interests, skills, and needs. Supports participants as they go through the assessment, job development, job placement, and follow along processes.
• Ensures that all Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) assessment and milestone documentation is completed with a high standard of quality and efficiency.
• Writes person-centered individual support plans for follow along participants. Ensures accurate and timely completion of all provider documents and budget pages.
• Builds relationships with local employers across a variety of industries. Educates employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, as well as techniques to improve support and retention of employees with disabilities.
• Actively supports participants with the transition between day habilitation, prevocational services, group employment, and community employment.
• Attends transition meetings for students exiting the school system to assist with their transition to home and community based services.
• Assumes primary responsibility for hiring, supervising, and coordinating activities of job coaches.  Actively identifies areas for job coach growth and provides support to reach expectations.
• Tracks data regarding the milestone process, employer cultivation, and other topics as requested and submits to Assistant Director.
• Completes routine training on positive behavior supports philosophies and agency quality enhancement goals. Actively seeks out opportunities for department and agency growth.
• Completes timely and accurate payroll reports for job coaches. Supports efforts to maintain satisfaction of participants, family members, and other stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelors Degree in related field preferred.
• Background knowledge of intellectual and related disabilities.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Good written/verbal communication, organization, and problem solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Benefits:  

• 401k, Health, Vision, Dental, Life and additional insurance available.  
• Great Holiday and PTO benefits. Other additional leave benefits available. 

Equal Employment Statement

 The Arc of Greater New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA).

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA).