Employment Specialist at employU in Sarasota, FL

Apply Job Type Full-time Description At employU, our culture is EPIC. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s how we show up every day for our team and the community we serve. employU Values Statement — EPIC Empowerment – We give every person the tools, support, and confidence to chart their own career path. Passion – Energy and enthusiasm drive us to exceed expectations and change lives. Integrity – Honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making guide everything we do. Commitment – We invest in long-term partnerships with clients, employers, and one another to ensure shared success. Looking for meaningful work with a team that lives its values? You’ll fit right in at employU. Join our team! A flexible schedule, paid weekly, working in the community, making a difference, being surrounded by a great team, and maintaining work/life balance—this is what you can expect working at employU. Our team works within the disability community to empower our customers with the knowledge, connections, and confidence required to achieve independence by establishing a sustainable career. Because we are always expanding, there is always an opportunity for growth for those seeking career advancement. Want to get a glimpse into the employU atmosphere? Watch this video: https://youtu.be/K6Hf9jusJlA Full-time employees are offered: Health Insurance Health Savings Account Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Bonus Potential (eligible positions) Flexible work schedule for exceptional work/life balance Pet Insurance Part-time employees may be offered: Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible work schedule for exceptional work/life balance Pet Insurance Requirements The estimated average, annual pay rate for this full-time, hourly position is $60,000-$70,000/year which includes an hourly pay rate $16.25 an hour, plus an estimated bonus. POSITION SUMMARY The Employment Specialist (ES) is responsible for creating and implementing a plan for each assigned customer in efforts to find employment that fits their job goal, interests and is a reasonable distance from their home. The customer’s plan is to include actions to aid in the retention of the position for a designated period of time. The Employment Specialist shall follow company instruction and provide a level of service to its customers that meet and exceeds the standards of excellence. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential Functions Statement(s) Organizes area Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) campaigns and works to develop new business relationships; assists the team to ensure appropriate and sufficient area MOU development. Supervises, trains and assists Job Coaches (JC) with job activities; monitors JC work hours to ensure proper tracking. Searches for OJT opportunities that match the customer’s interests, abilities and are a reasonable distance to their home; researches online job boards, company websites and social media; networks with hiring managers and human resources to promote service in efforts to find OJT opportunities. Assists customers with applications and assessments as needed. Helps the customer prepare for interviews by providing instruction on how to write a resume, how to complete and follow-up on job applications; assists and coaches customers with interviewing skills. Maintains contact with customers via phone, text, email or in person on a regular basis prior to placement; documents all customer information in database program; communicates with each customer a minimum of once per week and meets with customers in person no less than once per month. Assists customers in following up on applications with specific employers; documents customer’s progress in database program; transports customer as needed to assist in the application follow-up and interview process. Ensures the customer begins and retains employment by offering support, ensuring appropriate training, coaching and communicating through the life of the case; communicates with employers and helps to solve issues that may arise to ensure job retention. Maintains regular communication with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors regarding the progress of each customer. Drives clients to various locations as needed. Completes other assigned tasks as directed. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Competency Statement(s) Job Knowledge Leadership Critical and Strategic Thinking Problem Solving/Analysis Interpersonal Skills Communication Sales Skills Organizational Skills Time Management SKILLS & ABILITIES Education: High School diploma required: some college including a degree in any field preferred. Experience: No experience necessary; experience working with individuals with a disability and/or prior counseling, job placement, job coaching or working within public vocational rehabilitation programs is preferred. Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Suite, Adobe and web-based database systems; CRM experience preferred. Background Screening Requirement: This position requires level 2 background screening through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Applicants can learn more about the screening process by visiting: https://info.flclearinghouse.com Other Requirements: Open availability required: must be available during days, evenings and weekends. Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, auto registration, auto insurance with minimum coverage of bodily injury $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident Bilingual is a plus (English / Spanish); ASL is a plus. Confidentiality and the ability to manage multiple deadlines is required. Must have own computer, printer, smartphone with data plan, and high-speed internet connection. SUPERVISION: Supervises Job Coach positions. TRAVEL: Local travel required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT These conditions 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 job functions. Environment: Office environment and in the field at various business locations. Physical: Standing, walking, reaching and prolonged periods sitting while driving and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds as needed. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents. Hearing: Hear within the normal audio range with or without correction.