Employment Specialist

About Accord

Accord serves individuals with disabilities, dedicated to helping them find success and independence in their lives.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a compassionate and organized Employment Specialist to join our team, serving the Minneapolis / St. Paul / Surrounding Suburbs area. This role is perfect for individuals who are detail-oriented, thrive on building relationships, enjoy problem-solving, and are passionate about helping others achieve their potential.

Working as an Employment Specialist:

• You will remove barriers, create relationships, and be key to helping others find success in their lives.
• You want to work in an ever-changing environment where each day is different!
• You are organized and passionate about helping people.
• You like flexibility, working both remotely and in person, and are willing to help out on nights/weekends on occasion.
• You like problem-solving and enjoy a good challenge.

Job Details:

• Manage a caseload of individuals, providing them with comprehensive support and advocacy.
• Offer flexible, individualized employment supports in three key areas:
• Exploration/Discovery: Help individuals understand competitive, integrated employment opportunities in the community through educational activities, learning opportunities, and work experiences.
• Development: Provide individualized services to help individuals achieve competitive, integrated employment, become self-employed, or establish a microenterprise business.
• Support: Offer individualized services and supports to help individuals maintain paid employment in community businesses/settings, with services occurring in integrated community settings.
• Engage in communication with support teams, planning, and represent Accord.
• Attend meetings, advocate for the person you serve, and provide training.
• Become credentialed in the MN Employment Services field.
• Visit job sites and provide support to individuals as needed.
• Organize details, schedule appointments, arrange transportation (including driving clients in your own vehicle), and communicate with employers.
• Write reports and maintain licensing requirements.
• Utilize creative talents to help people find work.

MUST HAVE:

• Demonstrated good written and oral communication skills, as well as time management skills.
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and a vehicle.
• Ability to pass a Department of Human Services background study.
• If holding a Social Work degree, must be currently licensed as a Social Worker by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

PREFERRED:

• Passion to make a difference and a desire to learn.
• Qualifications as outlined by Minnesota statute Chapter 245 D section 8:
• A four-year bachelor’s degree in a field related to human services and one year of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
• An associate degree in a field related to human services and two years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
• A diploma in a field related to human services from an accredited postsecondary institution and three years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older; OR
• A minimum of 50 hours of education and training related to human services and disabilities and four years of full-time work experience providing direct care services to persons with disabilities or persons age 65 and older under the supervision of a qualified staff person.

Work Environment:

• Typical work days are Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, with occasional evenings or weekends for support.
• 40-hour work week.
• Primarily community-based work with clients.
• A supportive and interactive work team.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation range: $20.00 - $22.00/hour.
• Benefit package including PTO, 9 paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• NO COST short & long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Employee wellness program.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Mileage reimbursement for providing direct services.
• A positive, friendly work environment.