Job Title: Community Employment Specialist (CESP)

Reports to: Program Director

Supervises: TCLE individualswith a community employment goal, Calvert and St. Mary’s school systems transitioning youth students, and DORS referred job seekers.

Location: Calvert Hub and community based.

Job Benefits: Non-exempt employee, full-time with benefits; flexible hours will be required. Some positions in this department may require fewer hours therefore benefits will correspond according to the personnel manual.

Employee Commitment: It is TCLE’s position that every employee at every level promotes and supports our agency’s mission and vision statement so that individuals we serve can access the community freely.

Summary: Carries out the services of the TCLE Supported Employment program by assessing job readiness of individuals, actively assisting individuals to obtain and maintain community employment consistent with their vocational goals as outlined in their PCP. Monitor and maintain positive and consistent communication with individuals, their families and potential and current employers.

General Responsibilities: In accordance with State Mandated COMAR Regulations, TCLE Personnel Policy and the Employee handbook, the CESP will be responsible to:

1) Follow all TCLE safety protocols with regards to Covid-19

2) Understand and follow TCLE’s policies and procedural manual.

3) Implement and provide a safe environment for individuals. (Safety and Cleanliness will be a priority)

4) Treat all individuals, co-workers, families, advocates, community partners and employers with dignity and respect at all times.

5) Maintain confidentiality for every individual according to TCLE policy and HIPPA regulations.

6) Maintain an environment that promotes individual choice particularly with regard to employment

7) Collect and record data utilizing TCLE and DORS documentation to record and track services provided and progress made toward employment goals. (all documentation are legal documents and an important part of the position)

8) Attend regular team meetings as scheduled by immediate supervisor

9) Maintain an open and ongoing line of communication between individuals, their families, advocates, employment partners and direct supervisor

10) Sign TCLE technology loan and usage agreement for any equipment provided to you in your role as CESP as an employee of TCLE (laptop and/or cellphone,)

11) Represent TCLE in a professional manner at all times

12) May be required to work from Hollywood hub for specific projects or if TCLE needs require.

Specific Responsibilities:

1) Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community settings.

2) Implement employment readiness, training, and employment success tools and guidelines in accordance with each individual’s PCP

3) Develop an employment plan with individual seeking employment

4) Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are in alignment to the interests and uniqueness of each person on his/her caseload

5) Follow up on job leads within 48 hours. Meet with individuals within one week prior to job start date and within three days after beginning job, if job coaching is not required upon start date.

6) Participate in face-to-face meetings with individuals and employers weekly, bimonthly or at least once a month based on the level of support required by individual and their employment status.

7) Provide hands on training and job coaching to ensure individual has learned and is competent to a high standard in position. May require working in a variety of different environments depending on the position (outside work, different environments/climates and shift hours)

8) May be required to provide transportation in personal or agency vehicle for employment, search, interview and/or training

9) Conduct a minimum of six employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of their business, describe supports offered by the TCLE Employment Services department and describe the individual’s strengths that are relevant to the position.

10) Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon at time of an individual’s hiring This may include; timely interventions, returns phone calls, contact employer about job problems and potential job loss within 24 hours.

11) Provide ongoing and follow-along supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment.

Create employment goals for each individual’s PCP and adjust annually according to individuals needs and preferences.

12) Attend PCP meetings for individuals with an employment goal on his/her caseload

13) Provide outreach as necessary to individuals when they appear to disengage from employment services. Use a variety of methods to provide outreach however contact only by text message is not allowed and does not adhere to #6 above.

14) Responsible for a minimum of 30 job starts per year or maintaining at least 90% employment retention on caseload.

15) Assist individual and their family in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, etc.) and how those benefits may be affected by employment. Refer individuals to benefits counseling, as needed.

Required knowledge, skills and experience

1) Must be able to successfully complete all Developmental Disability Administration’s (DDA) state mandated trainings.

2) Must be able to successfully complete all additional trainings offered by TCLE. Training may include but is not limited to; use of company vehicles and specialized health care topics.

3) Must be able to successfully complete Community Employment Specialist Professional training, to include but not limited to ACRE and CESP certification.

4) Must be able to successfully demonstrate ability to support, work with and train individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Some individuals may also require accommodation for physical disabilities.

5) Maintain a background check and driving record with positive results throughout employment with TCLE.

6) Must have at a minimum a High School Diploma or GED. AA or Bachelor degree preferred.

The Center for Life Enrichment is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic covered by law.

Please complete an application on the website at www.tcle.org

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

The Center for Life Enrichment

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Community Employment Specialist