Employment Specialist

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) is a non-profit corporation, funded by the State of California to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities. At CVRC, our mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children at risk, to reach their goals. With offices in Merced, Fresno, and Visalia, we support over 27,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in the Central Valley, including Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Merced, and Kings counties. We accomplish this by coordinating resources and collaborating with other agencies to develop the best services for Clients and families, valuing diversity, respecting individual rights and choices, and committing to excellence, honesty, and cost effectiveness in service delivery.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Exempt Full Time

Starting Pay: $70,940.73 – $84,706.94/yr.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Employment Specialist develops and maintains relationships with local businesses and organizations within the six-county catchment area to create employment opportunities for the individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center. This position focuses primarily on integrating individuals into competitive employment ensuring meaningful job placements and providing ongoing support to both employers and individuals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under minimal supervision, identifies and engages potential employers to create job opportunities suited to the abilities and interests of individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center. 
• Independently develops and maintains strong partnerships with local businesses, industry groups, and community organizations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for CVRC in educating and supporting CVRC staff in all matters related to employment for individuals served.
• Conducts presentations and meetings to educate employers about the benefits of hiring individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center and the available supports. 
• Advocates for individuals needs and rights in the workplace. 
• Assists employers with understanding accommodations and modifications required for successful employment through partnership and education. 
• Provides ongoing support and follow-up with both employers and individuals to address any issues and ensure sustained employment.          
• Participates in community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to promote employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities served by Central Valley Regional Center. 
• Collaborates with community partners to create inclusive work environments and raise awareness about the capabilities of the individuals with intellectual disabilities.        
• Maintains accurate and timely records of individuals’ progress, employer contacts, and job placements.
• Prepares reports on employment outcomes, individuals’ progress, and program effectiveness for internal and external stakeholders. 
• Provides training and resources to employers and coworkers on working effectively with individuals with intellectual disabilities who are served by Central Valley Reginal Center.
• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations, including the Lanterman Act and Title 17.  
• Exercises agility and independent judgement to prioritize work based on strategic initiatives of the role on a regular basis.
• Supports effective and efficient business practice.
• Maintains positive business relationships, confidentiality, good attendance, punctuality, and acts in accordance with all company policies and procedures.
• This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Services, or related field and three (3) years of Employment/Job placement experience -  or – a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or one of the above related fields and minimum of two (2) years of  Employment/Job placement experience. Experience must be within the last (5) years.
• Experience engaging with providers and other agencies in the community.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of developmental disabilities and related conditions faced by individuals. 
• Requires a high level of discretion and independent judgment. 
• Ability to establish and maintain comfortable and effective relationships with others. Ability to prioritize varied work assignments and complete documentation within required timelines.  
• Ability to use computer and software for documentation, management information systems, e-mail, and other required computerized functions. 
• Must demonstrate initiative, self-motivation, sound independent judgment, flexibility, strong interpersonal and excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Must have a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and vehicle insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of local job markets and community resources. 
• Competence in job development and placement strategies. 
• Understanding of disability rights and accommodations. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel within CVRC’s six-county-wide region as assigned or required.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Professional office environment. Noise level in the office is low to moderate depending on area. Individual workspace assigned and varies from open cubicle to private office. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Manual dexterity for typing on a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus required to view computer monitor, read numbers and printed material. Mobility sufficient to reach, lift and transport files and other work material to work areas. Sitting for extended periods of time.