UMass Boston hiring Employment Specialist I in Greater Boston | LinkedIn (2024)

General Summary: The Employment Specialist I for the Institute of Community Inclusion (ICI) will provide services necessary to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment in community integrated settings. The incumbent will work with individuals who have barriers to employment to identify job interests, evaluate and assess work skills and needed workplace supports, based upon individual preferences, skills, interests, and job duties. The Employment Specialist I will develop relationships with employers to identify jobs and to support the successful transition of job seekers into employment; will provide on-going supports as needed to facilitate employment retentions and career advancement; and will provide case management and service coordination, as needed to facilitate access to and the coordination of services necessary for successful employment outcomes.

Examples of Duties:

• Develop employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities receiving employment services through the Institute, including the Work Experience Program, using a wide range of resources and contacts; develop relationships with employers in order to identify job opportunities; utilize job carving and job creation strategies as needed.
• Use all resources available to network and build relationships with businesses, including social media, targeted outreach and participation in events at community organizations such as regional employment collaboratives, local chamber of commerce, and civic organizations.
• Facilitate the successful transition of job seekers into the Work Experience Program and permanent employment through direct job support as well as the development of natural supports in the workplace; use information about learning style, accommodations, technology, emotional and behavioral issues, health status and other relevant data to develop and implement service delivery strategies that reflect the needs and preference of each consumer.
• Provide on-going support to individuals including job coaching, skills training, job training and travel training in accordance with the individuals’ goals and needs; work with participants to develop marketing materials (resumes, cover letters, and portfolios), when needed; develop curriculum for and facilitate job seeking, networking, and soft skills groups for job seekers.
• Provide case management and service coordination to facilitate access to and coordination of services necessary for successful employment outcomes; develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders, including state and community agencies, family members and caregivers, and other support providers; coordinate and facilitate team meetings; work with Program Coordinator to track funding status and communicate with funding agencies as needed.
• Collect data and maintain records as required by the program; maintain documentation regarding employment history, progress, learning styles, accommodations, and self-management strategies including case notes, monthly reports, and time logs.
• Serve as the Human Rights Officer for individuals on assigned caseload advising individuals on their rights and responsibilities. coordinate annual documentation updating, including release/consent forms and human rights orientation.
• Attend DDS Human Rights training as required by funding agencies; participate in Institute committees and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of one-three years of experience providing employment/placement services or experience providing services for individuals with disabilities required. An additional four years of experience providing employment/placement services or experience providing services for individuals with disabilities can be substituted for the required bachelor’s degree. A valid driver’s license is required and must be maintained through the duration of employment in this position. Ability to travel throughout greater-Boston and eastern Massachusetts required. Incumbent must be CPR and First Aid certified within 90 days of hire and must maintain certification throughout duration of employment. Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate the work schedules of program participants, including occasional evenings and weekends, is required.

The following certification and evaluations are required:

• Evidence of a completed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, which demonstrates a background free of conduct which bears adversely on the ability to provide for the safety and well-being of participants.
• After the review and approval of the above CORI check, a fingerprint-based check of the state and federal criminal history database must then be completed.
• A check of the DPPC Abuser Registry must also be passed.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, as well as other administrative software programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to navigate and utilize the Internet and social media.
• Ability to safely transport program participants as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and unexpected changes in work schedule.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to bend, reach and lift up to 30 lbs., in order to provide hands-on training to program participants.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions: Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period. Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: Grade: 28

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of June 30, 2025, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

Departments: None