POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world? Are you compassionate, patient, and understanding? Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills? Do you have problem-solving and decision-making skills?

If YES, we are looking for people like you to join our team!

ABOUT US:

ARCO, A COMMUNITY RESOURCE is a nonprofit United Way agency dedicated to providing support and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families throughout northeast Louisiana since 1954. Our mission is to empower individuals with I/DD to lead fulfilling and independent lives through our supported living services, vocational services, and community ventures services. We recognize our participants can learn and enjoy growing their skills and knowledge. When provided with the correct support in their overall day-to-day needs, functions, and activities they can live their lives as full community citizens and with fully vested rights.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Able to pass a complete criminal record/background check and pre-employment drug screen
• Provide a current, valid driver’s license (no suspensions or blocks) and social security card
• Have a dependable vehicle for use on the job and be able to provide evidence of insurance, registration, and vehicle inspection
• Possess good writing skills and the ability to use a computer (PC) and tablet
• Be comfortable working with various participants who may have a variety of disabilities and various levels of competency and dependency
• Be able to perform the physical requirements of the job

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Employment Specialist connects and trains individuals with intellectual disabilities in jobs in area businesses that match their skill sets, are satisfactory to the individuals, and pay at or above minimum wage.

• Assess the job seekers skills and personal resources
• Search for job settings and functions to match the skill and resources
• Work with businesses to negotiate a job customized to these skills and resources
• Train or manage the training of the hired supported employee
• Supports the individual and the employer post hire, making changes as needed to assure continued success
• Work within the social and business community to develop relationships that lend themselves to the development of a robust variety of employment settings needed to address the variety of work support needs of ARCO participants
• Evaluate the outcomes of both successes and efforts that were not successful and view all efforts as a way of learning the best strategies

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to:

• Assess strengths, needs and resources of those supported by ARCO's customized employment program to job seeking, development and placement
• Develop written materials (resumes, reports etc.) on a post-secondary level
• Assess the inner workings of businesses relative to the functions that could match a person's specific skills or resources
• Negotiate with individuals, businesses or government entities for the best outcome for ARCO or those it represents
• Be personally engaging when relating to individuals or small or large groups; to present information confidently and grammatically correct
• Articulate ARCO's mission and needs at a post-secondary level, both in writing and in spoken language
• Perform governmental processes according to the standards required
• Maintain an accurate and complete data system, research and interpret information captured

*NOTE: As you begin this process, please know that only applications which are filled out completely and accurately will be considered.

You MUST provide a minimum of 6 business references and 3 personal references. In the event you do not have 6 business references, you must substitute additional personal references as you are completing the online application.