LOWER ELWHA KLALLAM TRIBE
Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist
WORK LOCATION: TBD (Office and Field)
SUPERVISED BY: VR Program Manager/Social Services Director
POSITION STATUS: Full-time, Limited Duration Contract Funded
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hrs. per week
SALARY: DOE
OVERVIEW: The role of the LEKT Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist is to help LEKT Tribal members, other Native Americans, and community members with disabilities, mental health, and/or substance abuse to obtain gainful employment. The incumbent will work with individuals to provide intensive case management services and employment/education planning duties. This position requires sensitivity to the Tribal culture and to have knowledge in networking and job site development for program clients. This position may encompass assessment of work related skills and abilities, providing job development and job coaching, developing natural supports, teaching job search and retention skills, and addressing other needs in regards to education and skill development. This position will also educate employers and the general public of employment as a fundamental right for everyone, by participating in the planning and implementation of stigma reducing and community awareness activities which are related to supported employment and employment successes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
- Assist clients with disabilities, mental health and/or substance abuse in obtaining and/or retaining employment.
- Prepare Individual Plan of Employment case plans for approval from VR Program Manager.
- Provide counseling and guidance to eligible clients to formulate an employment/education program that eliminates or creates more tolerable barriers to suitable employment posed by each person's functional impairments and leads to employment.
- Develop and maintain records of progress, timetables, and training schedule; monitor service cost within standards for budget management; document procurement of services. Document accurately in client records.
- Evaluate client progress and make modifications to the employment/education plan when necessary, performing on-the-job analysis to determine job modification or job readiness and provide post-employment services.
- Prepare and submit all reports to the VR Program Manager as directed.
- Facilitate client progress toward achieving their training/employment goal.
- Work in conjunction with the VR Program Manager in managing caseloads.
- Provide liaison and advocacy between employers, mental health providers, and all programs the client is working with.
- Develop potential job sites for prospective program clients.
- Work in collaboration with the LEKT TANF/GA program in utilizing their contacts for job placement and other services that may benefit program clients.
- Work with employers in the community to develop job training curriculum.
- Assess/reassess program clients for job readiness and placement.
- Advocate for and ensure appropriate ongoing benefits and services to program clients transitioning into successful long-term employment.
- Actively participate in training and other meetings, whether in or out of the office, as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities, and two years of full-time work experience providing vocational rehabilitation related service to individuals with disabilities or similar. -OR-
- Associates Degree in a related field, such as one that promotes the physical, psychosocial, or vocational well-being of individuals with disabilities, and at least three years of recent full time work experience providing Training or instruction on how to do specific activities, -OR-
- Two years of job placement/job coaching experience which shows knowledge of employment practices and techniques, rules and laws. Prefer at least one year experience interpreting and applying policies, rules, and guidelines to make decisions regarding Vocational Rehabilitation Job Placement with an emphasis on:
- Employment planning and / or placement activities.
- Assessing the needs, strengths, skills, etc., of clients, patients, / customers.
- Assessing multiple community services to assist clients/patients/customers.
- Problem-solving activities including action planning, identifying resources, goals and timelines to resolve issues, etc.
- Contact with organizations, corporations, and other employers involved in hiring people.
- Experience and knowledge of tribal assistance programs such as TANF, GA, WEX, OJT, CRT, DP, EA, Siletz Housing programs, A&D and services offered within the county service area where Tribal members are served.
- Knowledge of client evaluation and individual, group, family, and other counseling techniques.
- Familiar with employment practices such as job developing, job carving and job coaching.
- Understanding of program policies and procedures for client case management and record keeping.
- Ability to work with a wide variety of people and communicate effectively with Tribal clients and program staff.
- Ability to apply eligibility guidelines when helping clients to obtain benefits.
- Ability to work with people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to be non-confrontational when dealing with difficult clients.
- Ability to work under pressure with the flexibility to handle several tasks at one time.
- Ability to work positively with the public and maintain good working relations with coworkers and clients.
- Lived experiences as a consumer with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
- Ability to adhere to the confidentiality of information in accordance with Tribal policies and applicable federal laws and regulations.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including knowledge of correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
- Balance of strong people skills and the ability to assess client needs and experience.
- Experience working with word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
- Valid Washington Driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
- Complete the Washington State Peer certification program within the first year of hire, if not already certified.
- Pass background check and drug testing prior to employment.
- As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638
OPENING DATE: TBD
CLOSING DATE: TBD
CONTACT: Lorinda Robideau, Human Resources
2851 Lower Elwha Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Phone: 360-452-8471 Ext. 7430
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