Title: Job Readiness Specialist

Reports to: Exceptional Training Academy (ETA) Manager

Department: Accelerated Preparation Program

Location: 420 East Hyde Park Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90302

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Under the supervision of the Exceptional Training Academy Manager, the Job Readiness Specialist will work with a group of Exceptional Works participants in a virtual setting, classroom setting, community setting, and a work setting (based out of the Exceptional Building), by using enhanced computer skills as the platform to help prepare them for community integration opportunities.

In addition, the job readiness specialist will focus on providing job readiness training in areas of: soft skills, informational interviewing, employment search, phone and e-mail etiquette, netiquette and other job training concepts that will allow program participants to improve their soft skills and job readiness. Participants will understand the concept of being job ready, and the support they receive will be driven by person centered principles in order to maintain a level of satisfaction with ECF services.  

·                 Develop participants’ computer skills and access to technology as the basis and Segway to work program participants to integrate them into the surrounding communities while enhancing their quality of life. Play an integral part in participant community integration while monitoring overall goals; secure and expand partnerships currently developed, develop new partnerships,  and periodically review curriculum to meet person centered needs of participants on-site, virtually, and in the community.

·                  Participate in program activities including: conducting competency based computer skills classed, serving as a role model, and giving motivational presentations to prepare participants for community integration including employment. Provide in-class construction and support in the use of technology as it pertains to employment.

·                 Demonstrate time management and organizational skills, assist with writing cover letters and resumes, job interview preparation including mock interviewing.  Work with participants on communication skills including turn based conversation and a multitude of other concepts found in the work readiness curriculum.

·               Help participants reach their employment goals as outlined in their individual service plan. Follow up on employment leads for participants who are independently seeking employment. Build innovative partnerships to generate new leads. Develop relationships with partnering agencies like DOR, who provide pre-employment support to SEP participants on-site or virtually and assistance to those seeking other opportunities outside of their current employment. 

·         Provide supervision and evaluation of program participants assigned to virtual, classroom and community-based activities.  each personalized skills identified in participant’s IPP or Goal Plan such as: self help, communication, gross motor, fine motor, vocational concepts, cognitive skills, social emotional skills, and the ability to identify important community resources. Maintain detailed participant documentation as directed by Associate Program Director to include but not limited to monthly, quarterly evaluations, case note reporting and other documentation that will assist in effective monitoring of participant ISP’s.

·          Use public transportation or ECF vehicles as needed to transport participants to community activities and events. Maintain vehicle logs and regular maintenance checks, reporting issues immediately and following through with appropriate services.

·               Provide behavioral intervention to participants through appropriate methods as designated through NCI Training and overall goals.

1.       Comply with ECF’s Injury and illness Prevention Program.  Ensure safe use and operation of tools and/or equipment.

2.       Comply with ECF policies and procedures, including mandated reporting requirements.

3.       Regular and reliable attendance is required for this position.

4.       Attend in-service trainings and staff meetings.

5.       Collaborate with department staff to produce positive participant outcomes.

6.       Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Licenses/Certifications:  Bachelor’s degree or High School Diploma.

Experience: Bachelor’s degree + Two years working with individual’s with special needs in an employment training setting with job readiness outcome emphasis, pay starts at $22/hr

With High School Diploma + experience with special needs in an employment training setting with job readiness outcome emphasis. Compensation as follows: 2yrs- $19/hr., 3yrs- $20/hr. and 4 years- $21/hr. 5yrs+ $22/hr.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:  

·         Basic knowledge of Windows 10 operating system, OSX operating system, Office Suite and Google Suite applications,

·         Familiarity with the various virtual meeting software including: ZOOM, Microsoft Teams etc.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Bilingual (English/Spanish)

·         Ability to communicate effectively with participants to provide direction and understand their needs.

·         Ability to write accurate and descriptive progress reports, unusual incident reports, etc.

·         Sound judgment to make decisions and prioritize work.

·         Ability and willingness to drive ECF vehicles.

·         Ability to learn and identify surrounding city and Inglewood community sites/landmarks. 

Requirement:

·         Driving is an essential function of this position.  Proof of valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, evidence of state-mandated car insurance, and insurable driving record are required.  While driving for work, should a need arise, the employee’s insurance is deemed primary and ECF’s coverage is secondary. 

Driving Disclaimer- Employees driving for company business must maintain a clean record and operate vehicles safely and responsibly. Company vehicles will be monitored and activity recorded. Violations of the driving policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of driving privileges, reassignment, or termination

·         Provide evidence of a negative TB test initially and very three years thereafter

·         Pass a pre-employment physical initially and annually thereafter.

·         Obtain NCI, Medication Administration, and First Aid and CPR certification within the first 3 months of employment and maintain as required.

Duties are performed at a location that is shared with other ECF programs that service adults with varying degrees of learning, behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities.  Employee could encounter individuals in crisis, exhibiting emotional/psychological distress, or behaving in an aggressive manner.  Duties are performed in a temperature-controlled office setting.  Noise level is moderate to low. 50% of your time is out in the community. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. 

·   Mobility to work in an office setting or in the community using mobile devices.

·   Use of hands to produce records and/or documentation in manual or electronic format.

·   Use of repetitive motion.

·   Vision to read printed materials and computer screen.

·   Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

·   Regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.

·   Required to travel to various sites within Los Angeles County.

·   Ability to implement NCI, First Aid, and CPR.

·   Ability to stand for most of the work shift and lift 20lbs unassisted.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Exceptional Children’s Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.  We are on a mission to support independence, belonging and community. We strive to build a culture that is safe, respectful, fair, and supportive for all employees. We are proud to employ people of all backgrounds who possess the talent, energy, and focus to accelerate our vision forward.