Supported Employment Specialist - Cascade Community Connections
Position: Supported Employment Specialist
Location: Port Townsend, WA.
Status: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt. Approximately 35-40 hours per week, M-F. Enjoy a flexible, self-managed schedule and work on-the-ground in our community.
Compensation & Benefits: $22/hr + a wide range of benefits (listed below)
Start Date: Position available immediately.
Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume with references to kc@kinshiphr.com. Open until filled; first review is September 20, later resumes will be considered on a rolling basis.
Job Summary: This fulfilling and dynamic role works directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build self-empowerment and relationship-building skills, and partners with our local community to provide accessible employment opportunities. This role is ideal for the self-motivated, compassionate individual searching for a rewarding career assisting individuals to be valued and active members of our community. Our Specialists have a deep commitment to client success.
Specialists are trained to assist individuals both professionally and personally. This unique role serves clients both through community engagement and employment support. Specialists locate community services for clients to obtain and maintain personally-gratifying employment and optimal quality of life. Specialists work individually with clients and their support teams to design and implement goal-driven plans based on client abilities, interests, and preferences.
This position offers the ability to work flexible hours from home and out in the community. Specialists spend at least 75% or more of their work hours in the community.
Benefits
Paid Sick Leave and Paid Vacation
10 paid floating holidays
Generous monthly health and wellness stipend
3% Employer match for retirement –Simple IRA
Mileage reimbursement
Bonus structures job placements and referrals
Flexible Scheduling to encourage self-care and work/life balance
Ongoing Professional Development and Career Mapping
Access to online learning modules with paid time for participation
Access to in-office technology and equipment
Organization Overview
At Cascade Community Connections, we strive for a fully inclusive society – in which each individual is provided equal access to community services and gainful employment. We proudly provide the resources and one-on-one guidance necessary for those seeking assistance with independent living, securing employment and navigating the transition from high school to broader community life.
Cascade employees are provided thorough training with 1:1 shadowing and in-depth education, giving them the tools to succeed and build their own schedules. Cascade provides a unique, supportive environment where our employees work independently to offer guidance to their clients and collaborate with community members.
Job Responsibilities
Employment Support
Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships to facilitate employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
Work actively out in the community with clients: Meet at community locations such as home, workplace, coffee shop, meeting with potential employers, Work Source, VR office, etc. or take clients to apply for jobs, investigate local education options, etc.
Develop individualized employment (and/or education) plans with clients that meet Cascade standards and principals. Incorporate input from support team and family members when appropriate. Adjust plan according to clients' needs and preferences. Keep thorough documentation of progress.
Conduct job development and job search activities. Assess clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis. Provide individualized job coaching (often on-site) to assist clients.
Provide education and support to employers, which may include negotiating job accommodations and on-site client supervision and support. Frequent employer communication or follow-alongs may be appropriate.
Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits and employer resources (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment.
Conduct a minimum of three (3) employer contacts per week to describe the support offered by the Cascade program: identify employer needs and describe relevant client strengths.
Prioritize solutions-based thinking through timely and proactive communication. Use conflict resolution skills to provide timely interventions. Return phone calls, follow up on job leads, and meet with clients frequently and consistently to resolve job issues.
Community Inclusion Support
Support clients to engage in the following areas: volunteering, educational opportunities, job shadowing, travel training, working with families, career explorations, and recreational pursuits. Identify opportunities within the community that match the clients’ specific needs and preferences. Specialists are responsible for maintaining 1:1 relationships with clients and their care team.
Develop individualized goal-oriented plans with clients that meet Cascade standards and principals. Keep thorough documentation of progress.
Focus on full community inclusion, teaching clients skills to maximize independence and to foster relationships in the community.
Counsel clients in problem solving and decision making. Help clients understand self-directed tasks and responsibilities and link them to the natural rhythms of life.
Collaborate with other individuals and organizations to advocate for the client.
Team Support
Attend and contribute to internal weekly meetings, complete required staff trainings, and attend community meetings/events relevant to clients and their progress.
Participate in ongoing staff development and maintain cooperative working relationships with all agency staff, and community partners.
Other Duties
Other duties as assigned and in support of Cascade Community Connections.
Duties may change as organizational needs dictate. The above list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills and responsibilities.
Relevant Skills
Knowledge of or interest in cultural diversity, inclusion, developmental disabilities, facilitation and/or personal development.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel and Word. Working knowledge of Google Workspace programs (Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar).
Ability to confidently network and communicate effectively verbally and in writing, with capacity to present information and respond to questions thoroughly and professionally.
Self-motivated and self-directed with a high level of initiative. Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects and schedules with accuracy and efficiency. Project management skills are valuable to establish and implement goals and support plans.
Effective interpersonal skills led by compassion and respect. Able to demonstrate a high degree of empathy and compassion.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality led by strong ethics and values.
Ability to lead and unite various stakeholders including clients, employers and family members to a common goal.
Understanding of our local community resources (public services, libraries, community organizations, non-medical supports, inclusive business leaders, etc).
Qualifications & Experience
Experience and ability to teach those with various learning styles using principles of self-determination. Experience in professional or behavioral development and self-empowerment is a plus.
Experience building mentorship-like relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Experience supporting those with developmental disabilities is valuable in this position but not required.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or Human Services field or equivalent professional experience.
This role requires access to a vehicle for independent travel (mileage reimbursement is provided). Valid Washington driver's license with 5 or fewer points.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of clients and employers.
This role requires employees to sit, stand, or otherwise use their bodies to perform various physical tasks to assist clients in performing their job functions. Cascade works with employees to develop reasonable accommodations as needed.
Schedule
This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, Monday through Friday. Occasionally, morning, early evening, and weekend availability may be required. Enjoy a flexible, self-managed schedule.
Cascade Community Connections Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Cascade Community Connections provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
