Job Developer / Employment Specialist at Dorothy Kret & Associates

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionOverview:The Job Developer serves as the primary point of contact and advocate for clients at DKA, supporting their employment goals and connecting them to the full range of DKA programs and services. This role involves managing a caseload of clients and assisting them by facilitating access to DKA opportunities such as personal development and employment skills classes (PDE/ESC), computer courses, vocational counseling, and Work Adjustment Training (WAT) programs.The Job Developer guides clients through all aspects of the employment process, including understanding workers' rights, disability benefits, and ADA accommodations, developing resumes and cover letters, conducting mock interviews, addressing workplace challenges, and assisting with rapid job searches. The ultimate goal is to help clients secure competitive employment in the community.The Job Developer fosters a positive and trauma-informed learning environment, building trust and rapport with clients while modeling professional conduct and workplace standards. This role requires strong communication, organization, adaptability, and teamwork skills, along with advocacy, coaching, and relationship-building abilities, to provide culturally sensitive, client-centered support and advance client employment goals.While primarily an in-person, client-facing position, the Job Developer has greater flexibility than other roles to meet clients in the community or conduct virtual sessions based on client preference and needs. Any work conducted outside of the office still requires approval from the JD Supervisor, and the Job Developer must notify the JD Manager of their location to ensure proper communication and oversight. Any extended work-from-home accommodations must be directly approved by the CEO for a specific and limited duration, with full expectation of return to onsite work at the end of the approved period.Responsibilities Common to all Agency Employees:Maintains confidentiality and trust with all employees, customers, participants, and trainees in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.Maintains culturally sensitive and trauma-informed interactions with employees, participants, and visitors, and pursues ongoing learning to strengthen cultural competence.Strives for mutually beneficial solutions, values interdependence, and upholds a shared responsibility for the success of the organization as a whole.Represents the agency in a positive and professional manner, demonstrating respect and professionalism in personal appearance and contributing to a clean, orderly, and welcoming facility environment.Demonstrates respect, courtesy and dignity for all.Demonstrates ethical conduct consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.Responds in a timely manner in all aspects of communication. Maintains a safe and clean working environment for self, employees, and visitors in compliance with OSHA regulations and other applicable safety standards relevant to the position's duties.Advocates for client needs and demonstrates adaptability and flexibility to support the health and success of the team, participants, and the agency by initiating improvements, solving problems creatively, and showing motivation for positive change and organizational growth.Completes all required agency training to maintain credentials and continuously enhance professional skills and knowledge.Ensures consistent compliance with all DKA policies and procedures, seeking guidance from the appropriate supervisor when questions or concerns arise.Adheres to assigned schedules and demonstrates punctuality, promptly communicating any scheduling conflicts, changes, or unforeseen absences to the appropriate supervisor.Assists in other areas as needed, supporting colleagues and agency operations by stepping in during absences, contributing to new projects, or performing tasks outside of regular responsibilities.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Provides job development to GMH designated program participantsCompletes required reports and documentation accurately and on time, including daily progress notes, monthly reports, time sheets, and incident reports.Attends client meetings (e.g., ART or Coordination of Care) and bi-weekly staff meetings as scheduled.Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for clients, managing a caseload and supporting their employment goals.Connect clients to DKA programs and services, including PDE/ESC personal development and employment skills classes, computer courses, vocational counseling, and WAT programs.Provide individualized support with resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and rapid job search strategies.Offer guidance and problem-solving support for workplace challenges, helping clients navigate employment situations effectively.Facilitate client access to competitive community employment opportunities and provide ongoing job development support.Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with program standards and reporting requirements.Collaborate with internal staff, external partners, and client treatment providers to enhance employment opportunities and program integration for clients.Provide job retention support to clients who request this service.Conduct office-based, community-based, or virtual one-on-one sessions with clients based on client preference and needs.Regularly attend community hiring events and job fairs to make contact with potential employers.Reports any serious or problematic incidents within 24 hours and seeks supervision for situations outside job scope or expertise.Maintains strict confidentiality of client and customer records in accordance with HIPAA, DRM, and Federal Copyright regulations.Communicates needs for company-provided resources or benefits, such as ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, equipment requests, and benefit updates, to the WAT manager or CFO.Accurately records hours in the designated payroll system (iSolved) and promptly reports any tardiness or PTO needs to the WAT manager.Performs other duties as assigned.Required Skills and Abilities:Demonstrates understanding of disability benefits and workers' rights, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and effectively advises clients on their application and use.Ability to complete accurate, comprehensive, and timely case notes documenting client progress.Strong teaching and training skills, with patience and the ability to adapt instruction to clients with varying skill levels, learning styles, and professional goals.Ability to apply effective instructional principles and methods when working with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health challenges.Knowledge of the job market, job development practices, and Vocational Rehabilitation services and requirements.Understanding of group dynamics and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges.Capacity to act responsibly and appropriately in emergency situations.Commitment to advocating for client needs and supporting positive vocational and personal outcomes.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail abilities.Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration within a team environment.Adaptability and flexibility in responding to evolving client needs and organizational priorities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications.Required Education and Experience:High School Diploma or GEDAt least one of the following:Associate's degree or higher in social work, behavioral health, or a related fieldPeer or Recovery Support Specialist CertificationMinimum of one (1) year of industry-related experienceRegulatory and Credentialing Requirements:Must be able to obtain fingerprint clearance within 90 days of hire.Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must obtain upon hire.Maintain compliance with all ongoing Relias and BHT training requirements.Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, due to the potential to perform work within the Archive and PakMail environments.Exertion Level:This job is deemed MEDIUM duty work, as defined by the Social Security Administration, Code of Federal Regulations, § 404.1567, Physical exertion requirements: (c) Medium work. Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If one can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work.Equal Opportunity Statement:DKA is an equal opportunity employer, and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.