Employment Specialist I

To apply, please complete an application on our website:

Reports to:

Director of Adult Services

Summary:

Do you want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization? We are looking for an Employment Specialist who wants to assist our organization. The right candidate will enjoy learning new tasks and taking on a variety of responsibilities while working in an up-beat, nonprofit environment.

Sherwood Autism Center fosters a team environment, you will work toward one goal: making sure our adults lead active and independent lives. It's more than a career; it's a fulfilling way of life.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Facilitates career planning, including assessment of individual needs and abilities, career exploration, and professional development in preparation for the consumer to enter the workforce
• Explore community resources and create relationships to expand consumer opportunities for employment
• Collaborate with and provide feedback to consumer families, case managers, potential employers, and support team members to coordinate the transition into initial placement and sustained employment
• Plan 1:1 and group activities to support individualized learning styles and promote creativity, self-reliance, competency, and proficiency within each consumer's chosen career field
• Complete required daily documentation, including data collection on goals, activity logs, event recording, progress summaries, transportation documentation, and required personnel forms
• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale

Competencies:

Employment Specialist 1 candidates who believe they fit Sherwood Autism Center's culture are encouraged to apply Sherwood Autism Center's culture is described as:

• People-oriented- supportive and fairness focused
• Detail-oriented-quality and precision-focused
• Team-oriented-cooperative and collaborative

Work Environment:

The Employment Specialist 1 position is located within our Adult Habilitation Department. You will be in the midst of activity and energy. This position is:

• A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more
• A good job for someone just entering the workforce or returning to the workforce with limited experience and education

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age
• US work authorization
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Class E driver's license and good driving record
• Eligibility for MO Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 1(+) year(s) experience working with individuals with Autism and/or related developmental disabilities in an Day Habilitation Program
• BA/BS in Human Services or another related discipline
• Certified Job Coach or Collee of Employment Services through DMH (must be obtained within 30 days of employment)
• First Aid/CPR Certification (must be obtained within 90 days of employment)

Benefits:

Sherwood Autism Center recognizes the value of benefits to our employees. We offer competitive wages, and ongoing training. Full time employees are eligible for our robust, comprehensive benefits program including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Ancillary benefit options including Voluntary Short term disability, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical

Illness and Cancer Plan, Voluntary Hospital Indemnity as well as an Employee Assistance Program.

• 10 company paid holidays
• Generous PTO/Vacation
• Paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program with bonuses up to $500

What is Sherwood Autism Center?

Sherwood Autism Center is a non-profit committed to our mission to educate, equip, and empower children and adults with autism as well as other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life by providing the highest quality services. Since our founding in 1974, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving our community though a wide range of impactful educational, vocational, and behavioral health programs.

The Employment Specialist 1 must be able to prioritize, organize and communicate with all levels of the organization. They should be able to maintain confidentiality, be a critical thinker, as well as be concise and detail oriented. You must have a positive demeanor, and great customer service skills.

EEO Statement:

Sherwood Autism Center is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment because we know that many of the greatest ideas and discoveries as well as best examples of service come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. We believe that everyone is an equal member of society and should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Because we believe inclusivity is critical to our success, Sherwood provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under Federal, State and local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person