Community Employment Specialist II – Salem, OR
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Garten is excited to offer an opportunity to join our hardworking and mission-driven team as a Community Employment Specialist II. As a not-for-profit organization focused on hiring people with disabilities, we are dedicated to providing high-quality services that make a meaningful impact in the community. For over 55 years, we have operated with a strong commitment to excellence, adapting and growing through changing times. This role provides the chance to contribute to a well-established organization that values dedication, innovation, and service.
General Position Summary:
Responsible for and provides internal case management for an assigned caseload, with duties including, but not limited to, maintaining all required documentation (i.e., case notes, safety plans, progress notes, billing tracking, etc.); acting as liaison to funding sources and circle of support as necessary to coordinate case management services. Support QA Specialist in processing IRs, service agreements, and other pertinent county/state documentation. Provides vocational support and planning assistance to participants in preparation for community employment placement. Ensures customer satisfaction and maintains good public relations with funding sources, community employers, and ISP team members. This position is expected to model Garten’s Mission, Vision, and Values to others in a positive manner.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:
• Ensures/maintains internal case management through implementation, documentation and tracking of ISP/VR goals and documents progress and activities as needed.
• Coaches, develops, and motivates program participants in planning how to improve performance and prepare for higher level jobs.
• Liaisons with job coaches to ensure support needs of individual on-the-job are met
• Develops and maintains proactive and positive relationships with all customers, (i.e., DD Services, Marion County Mental Health, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other community partners) funding sources, and circle of support.
• Assists in development and coordination of workflows and processes to ensure that documentation is accurate and in compliance.
• Maintains effective communication with other staff as required.
• Provides assistance in ensuring all recordkeeping for caseload is current and accurate.
• Ensures billing is accurate and completed in a timely manner.
• Ensures confidentiality of individuals receiving services from Garten.
• Ensures compliance with Garten policies and safety and security standards.
• May provide on-going follow-up with employers, as assigned, to ensure customer. Satisfaction and to successfully resolve complaints.
• Acts as a positive role model for others.
• Serves as a Lead during training and onboarding initiatives.
Specific Job Skills Required:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Attentiveness to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate record keeping/documentation and generate reports.
• General knowledge of effective training techniques with ability to provide coaching to a diverse workforce.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to model good work practices.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to organize, balance multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and focus on tasks through completion.
• Ability to work independently, use independent judgment and discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to actively participate in team development and team-oriented processes.
• Physical and mental ability to operate a calculator and use computer hardware/software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, twist, bend, kneel, grasp, handle, reach, kneel occasionally
• during normal workday.
• Physical ability to push up to 100 pounds, and to carry up to 10 pounds occasionally in a normal workday.
• Physical ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs as needed.
Education and Experience Required:
• Minimum of 2-3 years combined experience working with/providing job coaching and/or training to individuals with diverse learning abilities with preference given to those with prior experience in a vocational and/or production setting; ability to communicate in basic ASL a plus.
• An undergraduate degree specializing in rehabilitation, social work, social sciences, communication or related field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
• Knowledge of the Salem community is preferred.
Perks Include:
- FREE Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance
- FREE Dental Insurance
- FREE Vision Insurance
- FREE Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Garten Retirement Plan
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays and one paid floating holiday
Statement for all Job Postings:
Garten believes in fostering a workplace that recognizes talent, encourages innovation, and celebrates achievement. We are proud to focus on hiring people with disabilities. We also strive to ensure a welcoming and fair process for all qualified applicants. Our mission is to empower every employee to succeed and contribute to our organization’s achievements. If you need assistance or accommodations during the job application or interview process, please contact our Recruitment team at recruitment@garten.org.