Employment Specialist II - Arc Allegany-Steuben
Company: The Arc Allegany-Steuben
Location: Bath
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
Have you been searching for a career that is meaningful, where
you could make a positive difference to others? Have you been
seeking a career that gives you a sense of purpose where you can
contribute to people’s well-being? Do you enjoy helping others
succeed? If yes, we have an opportunity for you! Our
person-centered approach allows you to help make a positive impact
in people's lives. Apply today and begin your career by making a
difference and fulfilling your sense of purpose! We are seeking
attentive and compassionate team members to join our team! We offer
a generous benefits package to include options for medical, dental,
vision, employer paid life insurance, 403 b with employer
contribution, PTO accruals, two weeks of paid training, and more!
Make any day a payday! You work hard for your money, why wait to be
paid? JOB SUMMARY The Employment Specialist II will assist
individuals enrolled in Project Search, Student Internship
Experiences, Community Habilitation, Community Prevocational
Services and Supported Employment to prepare for paid employment or
unpaid meaningful community activities, including volunteering. The
Employment Specialist II is also responsible for providing services
under the ACCES-VR Contract, to include conducting Vocational
Assessments and Benefits Advisement. The Employment Specialist II
reports to the Associate Director of Vocational Services. JOB
FUNCTIONS: Regulatory and Corporate Compliance Ensure compliance
with regulations, agency policies and procedures. Ensure required
documentation is complete, accurate and legible. Ensure the
agency’s incident management process is followed. Provide input in
the development and revisions of policies, procedures and agency
forms as needed. Ensure Chain of Command is followed when necessary
and instructions are followed as stated in policy and procedures.
Promote the highest quality of support by implementing the Code of
Ethics and Core Competencies. Keep all information confidential
Financial Management Assist with ensuring adherence to the annual
budget. Assist with ensuring accurate management of individual’s
funds. Complete personal allowance documentation and other
financial documentation according to procedure. Person Centered
Services Provide services to individuals as planned in their Life
Plan which includes the person’s Individual Protective Oversight
Plan (IPOP), Community Hab Plan, Community Prevoc Plan, Supported
Employment Plan, Behavior Support Plans, Day Habilitation Plan,
and/or other safeguards and ensure all related documentation is
completed. Implement activities as outlined in the Staff Action
Plan and, as applicable the Life Plan. Provide services to
individuals as planned in their Individualized Employment Plan and
ACCES-VR authorization and referral documentation. Provide services
to individuals as planned in their Individualized Education Plan or
504 plan and outlined by their school district. Provide services to
individual as planned in their Office of Mental Health employment
plans for Assisted Competitive Employment, Transformed Business
Model and On-Going Integrated Supported Employment. Associate will
follow the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model for
service delivery. Plan and coordinate daily activities. Act as an
advocate for individuals. Complete assessments and compile baseline
data as assigned. Assist and support individuals with community
integration. Respect the individual’s right to privacy and
confidentiality by appropriate use of written and verbal
communication. Work collaboratively with others to ensure the
individual’s health and well-being. Ensure emergency medical
procedures are followed and consult with the medical chain of
command when necessary. Provide services and follow individual’s
Plan of Nursing Services (PONS). Report and document all individual
medical concerns to the appropriate personnel. Complete weekly
one-on-one meetings with the Team Leader and Manager and come
prepared with an agenda. Complete one-page profiles and assist POMS
as applicable. People are supported to reach their vocational
goals. Assist individuals with adapting to the social demands of
the workplace. Develop/teach strategies for the development of soft
skills, stress management and navigating workplace rules, etc.
Support people to develop confidence and independence to the
greatest extent possible. Maintain professional and effective
teamwork with all staff, families, college personnel & community.
Assist and teach with development of goals for people based on the
person-centered planning by maintain a positive and engaging
learning environment. Maintain a focus towards individual goal
achievement as indicated in their life plan. Provide counseling on
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Program Standard
Maintain an environment in the program which encourages and
facilitates optimal personal development. Complete assigned daily
responsibilities. Complete shift overlaps and specific duties as
assigned, if applicable. Complete documentation, filing and general
office maintenance and other routine operational reports, charge
reports and any other paperwork as assigned. Assist in the
identification and development of new services and support
opportunities that provide quality of life choices. Complete
monthly summaries and reports as assigned. Must become familiar
with many different business policies, protocols, hierarchies,
tasks, quality standards, etc. Work independently, problem solve,
think critically and foresee potential issues, etc. Teach job tasks
–adapt teaching style to accommodate different learning
styles/modalities – be able to breakdown tasks and train person to
be able to perform the tasks to business’s quality specifications -
create task analysis. Teach and support people in activities to
prepare them for competitive employment and/or meaningful
community-based activities; social skills training,
grooming/hygiene/dress, resume and cover letter development,
learning job seeking skills, interview skills instruction, etc.
Must multi-task and be able to switch between different programs
and funding sources throughout the course of a day. Caseloads are
diverse comprised of individual involved in different funding
sources. Development and use of natural supports. Will attend and
complete all required ACCES-VR, OPWDD, Relias, and on-site
trainings per agency policy and contract requirements. Must
multi-task and be able to switch between different programs and
funding sources through the course of a day. Caseloads are
diversely comprised of individuals involved in different funding
sources. Provide Case Management assistance to individuals
supported; crisis management, housing, benefits, linkage and
referral to addition supports, etc. Physical Plant and Safety
Ensure the site is a safe, clean environment and immediately
address areas of concern. Maintain knowledge of fire evacuation
plan and ensure plan is followed. Practice standard precautions and
other appropriate infection control practices. Ensure site vehicles
are maintained, as applicable. Contacts with Others Develop and
maintain positive customer relationships both internal and
external. This includes family, local businesses, and external
service providers. Maintain effective working relationships with
service providers, community resources and families. Ensure that
internal and external written and verbal communications regarding
the agency are positive and reflect our mission, vision and values
and respect the individuals’ right to privacy and confidentially.
Ensure customer concerns are addressed in a timely and professional
manner. Must have the ability to work autonomously. Additional
Functions: Participate in agency committees, initiatives, projects
and trainings. Assist with coverage in the agency as assigned.
Maintain certifications and annual training updates, as required.
May be required to use your private vehicle to transport the people
we support. Will be flexible with work locations and hours worked
based on the needs of the agency to include working in a
residential if necessary. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The
person in this position exhibits conscientiousness, dedication,
self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility. The person in this
position functions successfully with general supervision. The
person in this position can work independently, take initiative and
prioritize multiple assignments with attention to detail and
deadlines in a high volume, stressful environment. The person in
this position can establish effective relationships and work in a
team environment to meet team and company goals. The person in this
position can exercise discretion in handling confidential
information. This includes medical, financial and personal
information of associates and persons served. The person in this
position has basic Microsoft Office skills. The person in this
position demonstrates knowledge of introductory computer skills.
The person in this position has good written and verbal
communication skills. The person in this position can operate
office equipment, computers and medical equipment. The person in
this position must be able to operate wheelchair vans, if
applicable at site. The person in this position must be able to
work regularly scheduled hours as well as additional hours as
assigned, including overtime, nights, and weekends. The person in
this position must be able to be contacted outside of working hours
as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in field related to
personnel, employment counseling, counseling and guidance,
rehabilitation counseling, industrial relations/arts, or other
suitable fields and one of the following options: Two years’
experience in vocational counseling in a rehabilitation setting,
state employment agency, etc. At least 18 semester hours in
vocational rehabilitation, educational, or vocational guidance,
psychology, social work, special education, or personnel
administration and one year of experience in vocational counseling
in a rehabilitation setting. Two-years’ experience working with
people with developmental disabilities preferred. Varied and
successful work history in competitive employment settings.
Alignment with agency’s mission, vision and code of ethics.
Demonstrate respectfulness, professionalism, effective teamwork and
empathy such as active listening. Knowledge of employer
expectations and employee behaviors and knowledge of the local job
market. CPR/First Aid/AED instruction and SCIP Certification within
the first six months of hire Complete 24 hours of Innovations in
Employment Support Training within the first year of employment and
6 hours of continuing education each year after. Complete Tier 1,
Tier 2, Tier 4 or Tier 5 training from the New York Consortium of
Advancement in Supported Employment within the first year of
employment. Will complete 6 hours of continuing education each year
after Training and certification in Valpar Pro 3000, McCarron Dial,
World of Work Inventory and any other assessment tools deemed
necessary by management. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Where position requires driving: Valid driver’s license for the
state in which the person resides Acceptable safe driving record
Where position requires driving individuals served by the Agency:
Motor vehicle with up-to-date inspection, that is registered and
insured. Will be required to enroll in LENS (Licensed Event
Notification System). AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: People: This
position has no direct authority and does not supervise anyone.
Operations: This position operates under the immediate supervision
of the Associate Director of Vocational Services and is responsible
for preparing individuals for paid employment or unpaid meaningful
community activities, including volunteering and following standard
agency policy and procedures. Budget: This position must adhere to
expense guidelines and programs. Nothing in this job description
restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and
responsibilities to this job at any time.
Keywords: The Arc Allegany-Steuben, Tonawanda , Employment Specialist II - Arc Allegany-Steuben, Social Services , Bath, New York