Employment Support Specialist

Description

The Opportunity Tree Mission and Vision

To provide quality individualized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in dynamic and innovative environments. The Opportunity Tree is committed to promoting the development of a society that fully embraces individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion, advocacy, and opportunities.

$1,000 hiring bonus for full-time new hires, paid after 12 full pay periods (approximately six months); other incentives for referring full or part time employees who are hired to work at The Opportunity Tree.

Benefits For Full-Time Employees:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off (Annual Leave* and Sick Time**)
• Referral Program *
• Available to regular full and part-time employees
• * Sick leave available to all employees of The Opportunity Tree

Employment Support Specialist Position

The Opportunity Tree (TOT) is seeking a full-time Employment Support Specialist (ESS) to provide employment services to adult Members with developmental and other disabilities through various state contracts. The successful candidates are required to be passionate and flexible in this position to meet the needs of TOT Members. There will be some flexibility for an adjusted 5-day schedule (Sunday through Saturday) based on the Members' training and/or work schedule. The ESS position will work at TOT Avonable or Phoenix campuses to develop, implement and deliver supported employment services and provide general information, outreach, education about the supported employment services while fulfilling The Opportunity Tree's mission, vision, and values.  

Services Summary

The Employment Support Specicalist (ESS) will work with adult Members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities based at one of the four day program campuses (Avondale, Casa Grande, Maricopa, and/or Phoenix) to provide supported employment services to include Transition to Employment, Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS), Career Preparation Readiness, Job Development & Retention, Individual Supported Employment, and Employment Supports. An ESS's essential services is to assist individuals to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with diverse members, respecting individual identities, to secure inclusive community job placements.
• Provide equitable support tailored to each member’s unique abilities and employment aspirations.
• Develop positive work-related skills and habits tailored to individual employment needs.
• Conduct assessments to identify member strengths and capabilities.
• Develop and implement individualized training agreements in line with members' goals.
• Maintain records with a focus on equitable service delivery and outcomes.
• Build employer relationships, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and diverse workplaces to create job matches aligning with members' goals and strengths.
• Engage with community networks, including schools, agencies, and families.
• Deliver services that are culturally relevant, accessible, and respectful of all identities.
• Champion the rights and inclusion of members in the workforce, with a focus on creating accessible and equitable competitive integrated employment opportunities.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years with a GED/high school diploma.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
• Ability to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• At least one year of paid experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mentoring, teaching, or coaching roles is preferred, demonstrating a capacity for leadership and skill development in others.
• Experience supporting individuals obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.
• Experience navigating state agencies and providing state-funded services.

Comprehensive training will be provided in disability awareness, employment strategies for individuals with disabilities, and work readiness skills. This training will enhance understanding of various disabilities and develop skills to support successful, long-term employment outcomes for our Members.

Work Environment:

• Lift/carry/transfer minimum of 40 pounds.
• Bend, kneel, and stoop.
• Pushing or pulling of wheelchairs.
• Reach/ reach overhead.
• Walk/stand for extended periods.
• Sit for extended periods.
• Finger/hand/wrist dexterity to eye.
• This position is considered a “safety sensitive” position.

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