Employment Support Professional

Description

Purpose: The Employment Support Professional (ESP) will implement person centered thinking and planning to assist the individual with developmental disabilities through the employment services offered. The ESP will work one on one with the individual to discover strengths, interests, individualized volunteer opportunities, obtain and maintain a job. The ESP will assist the individual with working through the service the individual is enrolled in. The ESP will be knowledgeable with the following services: Community Prevoc, Pathway to Employment and Supported Employment. The ESP will implement each individual’s career path to assist each individual with improving their skills to be as independent as possible with the career choices.

The ESP will assist each individual in reaching his/her maximum level of independence and power of potential by promoting a sense of self-worth, acceptance, achievement, citizenship, personal growth and personal choice.

The ESP will possess a professional, patient (tolerant) understanding manner and work to maintain a calm, kind,

Essential Functions:

• To implement, and document each individual’s total person centered plan encouraging maximum independence and self-worth.

• To evaluate, develop and implement a plan for service delivery based on strengths and interests.

• To provide the individual with support and training while fostering community inclusion and increasing awareness of employment opportunities in the community

• To assist in the coordination/participation/communication, documentation of individual meetings.

• To educate, support and promote the individuals to access transportation independently

• To accompany individuals on volunteer/job sites, assisting them in tasks and assessments.

• To comply with all state, federal and agency policies, procedures, regulations as indicated by OPWDD.

• To maintain all individuals’ records, ensuring filing, accuracy, compliance, updating.

• To operate agency vehicles in compliance with agency policies/procedures, and traffic laws, ensuring, documenting vehicle maintenance/condition.

• To maintain a calm, tolerant, kind, courteous, accepting environment in compliance with the individuals’ service plan and plan of protective oversight, while in the individuals’ residence and community.

• To provide, ensure a safe work/living environment including compliance with all safety policies/procedures and regulations.

• To attend any trainings, meetings, updates as necessary/required. To acquire and maintain all required certifications in accordance with agency policy. Attend and participate in staff meetings on a regular basis and assure attendance at all mandatory meetings.

• Remain aware/respectful of the individuals’ rights and responsibilities; immediately reporting any concerns or issues of potential harm, mistreatment or rights restriction.

• Work at any/all residences, upon request, throughout the agency to assure appropriate coverage and assist when the need arises.

Other Duties:

• Participate as an active member of the person’s service team.

• Flexibility of schedule to provide person driven employment services.

• Any and all other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Responsible to: Assistant Director of Employment Services/Designee

Status: Non-exempt

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED plus 2 years experience working with individuals with disabilities OR

• Associates Degree in a Human Services Related Field with 1 year experience working with individuals with disabilities.

• CPR/First Aid Certification (training provided)

• Program specific training (provided)

• Valid NYS Drivers License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if using your own vehicle.

• Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous and patient manner at all times

Physical / Cognitive Requirements:

• Lifting/transferring – individuals/items of various weights – must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

• Bending/Reaching/Pushing/Pulling

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Reading / Math skills at a level to perform job duties (read-implement physician orders, give medications as ordered, prepare recipes, read program documentation, etc.)

• Demonstrated interest and ability to make possible the personal outcomes of individuals receiving services

• Exposure/ability to safely use household chemicals

• Adherence to Agency Policies, including Attendance Policy