• Employment Condition: Full Time; 1.0FTE 40 hours per week/80 hours per pay period • Shift: Rotating • Insurance Eligibility: Anticipated Full Employer Contribution

As an Employment Specialist you will work with and help our program participants who are individuals that have varied abilities including, but not limited to, cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury and physical disabilities obtain work through Customized Employment. Customized Employment is a process that allows individuals with disabilities and employers the opportunity to negotiate job tasks and/or reassign job duties to improve overall contribution in the workplace. In this position you will: • Act as a liaison between local businesses (employers) and program participants for community based employment opportunities. Obtain and set up sites in the community for work assessments, job try-outs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. • Assist program participants in finding, obtaining, teaching, and on-going support with community jobs. • Facilitate problem resolution among individuals, families, case managers, community members, staff and others so that supports can be coordinated and individuals can achieve their optimum success. • Assist the program to meet Department of Labor, MN state licensing and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards. MSOCS Customized Employment Services sites are 100% community based and focus mostly on employment. Employees are trained in job coaching, individualized trainings based upon the individuals’ needs, as well as proficient in Customized Employment Training. The individuals that receive services from these programs need more 1:1 supports and prefer to be served in non-congregate settings. The focus is on employment and finding environments that will work well to meet their specific needs. MSOCS Customized Employment Services programs are located in the following communities: Austin, Willmar, Cloquet, Duluth and Shoreview (north metro areas).

• Must be at least 18 years of age • Current and valid driver's license • Basic math skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply and divide • Clear communication skills to understand and communicate complex employment services with community members, employers and teams. • Basic computer skills sufficient to create word documents, receive and respond to email • Ability to read and write English • A minimum of one-year experience implementing training/employment programs for individuals who have cognitive/intellectual disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependency, physical disability, brain injury and/or displaced workers, o OR • One year experience in an employment field plus one year working with the disability population.

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. • Knowledge, training/certification/education, and/or implementation of Customized Employment. • Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services. • Experience finding resources involving assistive technology to maintain successful employment.

Available upon request from the local Human Resources Office.

PLEASE NOTE: Any time an employee bids, voluntarily transfers, or voluntarily demotes to fill a vacancy in an existing SOCS, any previously approved vacation may be rescinded if any employee already working in the SOCS has approved leave for any of the days.