Employment Specialist- SLP

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection

Employment Specialist

Part Time

New Haven, CT, US

Pay Rate: $23.15 Hourly

Schedule: 20 hrs/wk. Mondays 9am-2pm, Tuesdays 8:30am-2pm, Thursdays 9am-2pm, Fridays 10:30am-3pm

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster independence.

In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection, we want to hear from you!

Why Consider a Career at CHSC?

Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

Flexible Opportunities: Part-time employees enjoy a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select benefits may also be available.

Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement.

Staff longevity and development: Over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5+ years, many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling, long-term careers spanning 10+ years.

A culture of community and compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us and become part of the team that values professional growth, meaningful work, and a culture of care.

The Role

The Employment Specialist provides 1:1 job coaching for an individual working competitively at three different worksites: one in Waterbury, CT and two in downtown New Haven, CT. This part-time position is part of the Supported Living Program and reports to the SLP Program Manager.

The Employment Specialist provides employment support, job training, job retention services, and vocational skill development. The role works closely with the individual, employers, and other stakeholders to maintain paid employment, support workplace integration, and promote long-term success. Establishing rapport with employers and with the individual is a key part of the position.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching, training, and stabilization support to help the individual achieve their personal and career development goals.
• Teach and model the skills needed to perform job duties. Uphold vocational goals and job interests, and document observations as needed.
• Maintain effective communication with employers, the individual served, family, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide on-the-job support and assist with transportation arrangements (i. e., travel training) as needed. Provide transportation when public transportation cannot be arranged.
• Provide on-the-job training and support adjustment and transition to the work environment to promote job retention.
• Advocate with employers and coworkers regarding the individual's strengths, accommodations, and support needs, when needed.
• Support employment site development efforts as assigned.
• Complete progress reports and documentation as required, including reports, Setworks entries, billing, and documentation required by CHSC and the State of CT Department of Developmental Services. Document all activities and outcomes accurately and on time.
• Attend and actively participate in planning meetings.
• Support the training of Job Coaches as assigned.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or a related field, and/or a minimum of 2 years of related job coaching or industry experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and of the employment challenges and opportunities for this population.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, teaching ability, and empathy toward individual needs.
• Ability to balance the needs of both the employer and the individual receiving services.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, independent problem solver.
• Computer skills, including Word, Excel, web-based applications, and databases.
• High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Haven's values.
• Openness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and acceptable driving record. Daily use of an insured, reliable personal vehicle is required. Parking fees are reimbursed on the same day.
• Preferred: ACRE endorsement in Customized Employment and familiarity with customized employment, APSE, and Employment First principles.
• Preferred: Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential.
• Preferred: Public Service License (PSL) or eligibility to obtain one.

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ+, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection

20 hrs/wk. Mondays 9am-2pm, Tuesdays 8:30am-2pm, Thursdays 9am-2pm, Fridays 10:30am-3pm