Job Summary
The Employment Support Specialist provides a mix of Vocational Rehabilitation employment services and direct support within Franklin Center’s Adult Education/Capstone program. This role supports young neurodiverse adults in developing employment, self-advocacy, executive functioning, independence, and community participation skills through both 1:1 employment services and classroom/community-based program support.
Note: This is a hybrid role split approximately 50/50 between Vocational Rehabilitation/employment support services out in the communnity. Also, classroom, community, and program support within the Capstone program on-site at Franklin Center. This is not a work from home position.
Summary of Essential Job Functions
Vocational Rehabilitation / Employment Support
- Provide employment and pre-employment services and support to young adults in a 1:1 capacity;
- Use best practice strategies and scope and sequence to develop skills and mindsets necessary to promote job retention, promotion, and advancement consistent with each person’s abilities and vocational aspirations;
- Work with young adults, staff, and family to identify areas of improvement and interests, particularly as it pertains to acquiring and maintaining employment;
- Assist young adults in understanding their neurodifferences. Teach strategies and problem-solving skills;
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed and accurate case notes for each client session
- Submit invoice requests for services rendered
- Interact with client supervisors, managers, and coworkers to seek feedback, build natural support, and problem-solve situations that may arise;
- Schedule and coordinate services internally and externally for all persons served in the areas of job coaching, self-advocacy, workplace readiness, social coaching, and related vocational and executive functioning skill areas;
Capstone Program / Classroom and Community Support
- Provide classroom, community, and program support within Franklin Center’s Adult Education/Capstone program for approximately 20 hours per week;
- Support participant engagement by reinforcing lead instructor goals, redirecting off-task behavior, encouraging participation, and helping participants remain connected to the activity or lesson;
- Support participants during community-based activities, classroom activities, breaks, transitions, 1:1 check-ins, and structured program routines;
- Reinforce executive functioning and independence skills, including planning, organization, flexibility, emotional regulation, follow-through, task initiation, and appropriate help-seeking;
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with participants;
- Communicate relevant observations, concerns, and participant support needs to instructors, program leadership, and other team members;
- Contribute to a positive team environment by being flexible, reliable, responsive to feedback, and willing to assist where needed.
- Maintain a positive and calm demeanor when dealing with clients and participants;
- Conduct oneself as a positive role model for participants in appearance, socialization, time management, organization, teamwork, and emotional regulation;
- Participate in staff meetings and development programs.
Caseload:
- Twin Cities area (travel expenses are reimbursed). Client input and availability are considered. This can involve settings such as: client workplaces, job sites, public venues, or other schools and transition programs
Minimum Requirements, Credentials, and Experience
- Demonstrated interest or expertise in working with young adults with autism spectrum disorder and/or related neurodiversities
- Candidates should be comfortable working both independently in community-based employment settings and as part of a team during structured program activities.
- 2-year or 4-year degree in Human Services, Vocational or Workforce Development, Social Work, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Counseling, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Adult Education, Workforce Training, Psychology, Sociology, or related field OR at least two years of direct experience working with neurodiverse young adults and/or adults with disabilities
- Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, working vehicle, and clean driving record
- A flexible schedule that will allow for varied work hours
- Flexible and adaptable traits for different environments
- Ability to work effectively as a team member
- Comfort supporting participant engagement, redirection, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and independence in classroom and community environments
- Successfully pass a criminal background check
- Strong communication skills;
- Detail-oriented;
Preferred Credentials and Experience
- 2-year or 4-year degree in Human Services, Vocational or Workforce Development, Social Work, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Counseling, Communication Sciences and Disorders or related field AND at least two years of direct experience working with neurodiverse young adults and/or adults with disabilities
- Experience in coordination of services, project management, budget management or other related experience.
- A developed professional network
- Knowledge of 245D licensure, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and/or Disability Waivers
Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Is your driver’s license currently active and unrestricted?
- Do you have reliable access to an insured vehicle for work-related travel?
Work Location: In person
