Working with an Employment Specialist
An Employment Specialist is a professional that assist individuals in finding and maintaining employment. The Employment Specialist assigned will work closely with the individual job seeker and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The Employment Specialist will provide tailored job site development services and these services can include assistance in completing applications, creating resumes and other business correspondence, pre-employment skill building, marketing and interview assistance. In addition the Employment Specialist will provide assistance in knowing when/if to disclose a disability or criminal background to a potential employer or when/how to ask for accommodations.
Finding a Job
Job Site Development is the service that involves assisting individuals find a job. Individual with disabilities sometimes require more support in their job search, and the process may be more intensive and deliberate. Assistance from an Employment Specialist during the job search can be very beneficial.
Job Matching
The Employment Specialist will work closely with the individual to find that perfect job match. The Employment Specialist will market the individual to various employers that have positions/duties that fit the individuals’ skills and education. The Employment Specialist will seek a job environment and description that suits the current interests, support needs, personality, and skills of the individual. We believe that anyone can work provided that they have a job that matches their interests, skills, lifestyle and support needs.
Throughout the process of finding a job the Employment Specialist will be providing pre-employment skill building assistance to the individual. Pre-employment skill building will allow individuals to learn the process of finding a job and will enable them to be confident in their job search now and in the future.
The Employment Specialist will assist through the entire process of finding an employment position including assistance in interviewing, completing new hire paperwork and on the job training and support assistance will be offered. These services are individualized to meet the specific needs of the job seeker and employer.
On the Job Support
Once the individual has obtained a employment the Employment Specialist will be there to support the individual as they transition from a job seeker to an employee. The Employment Specialist will be providing employment supports while the individual is working. The Employment Specialist provides ongoing (time limited) supports to ensure the person is reaching their full potential and meeting the employer expectations. These services may includes Community Based Work Adjustment, Follow Along Support or Job Coaching Services.