Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist plays a key role in supporting individuals served by the Mercy Centre by developing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering community partnerships. This position is responsible for building relationships with local businesses, securing job placements, and serving as a liaison between employers, clients, and the Mercy Centre.

In addition to job development, the Employment Specialist provides job coaching, skill-building instruction, and individualized support to promote independence, vocational success, and community integration for program participants.

Essential Duties

• Develop and implement skills activities in relationship to identified curriculums. Design individualized activities in coordination with the employment management team that are intended to teach and reinforce safety, survival, vocational and activities of daily living (ADLs) skills.
• Develop an understanding of the individual needs, goals and level of required assistance of all to ensure safety and comfort while maintaining the development of age appropriate behaviors.
• Develop ADL activities that facilitate social integration and community membership. Provide individualized ADL activities in the facility and that can be carried over to and incorporated into the community
• Maintain documentation of training provided, techniques used and cue levels utilized. Collect data relating to goals and objectives. Provide individualized documentation on progress.
• Schedule groups, therapies and community activities in coordination with the Employment/CBDS Manager. Develop a weekly calendar submitted to the Employment/CBDS Manager prior to the delivery of services.
• Coordinate with the Employment/CBDS Manager and Case Managers to ensure support is given related to the tracking and recording of progress towards individual vocational goals and assessments for Individual Service Plans (ISPs) as well as support for the origination of individualized goals, progress notes, evaluations and other required documentation related to the ISP.
• Maintains individual’s confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service training, and other staff development.
• Comply with mandated reporting to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) in accordance with DDS regulations and laws with the State of Massachusetts.
• Work as a team member within the Centre’s framework.
• Contributes to the organization by accomplishing various projects and meets deadlines.
• Complies with regulations set forth by DDS, MassHealth, the State of Massachusetts, and Catholic Charities Worcester County.
• Provide job coaching at employment sites and community access opportunities for assigned program participants. Provide support to individuals at community sites and in the facility in coordination with the employment management team. Write work site evaluations and assessments, including fire safety assessments.
• Complete incident sheets, seizure reports, and any other documentation necessary to ensure compliance with agency standards, DDS regulations, MassHealth, or program policies in coordination with the Employment/CBDS Manager.
• Attend Mercy Centre functions appropriate to role.
• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safety through awareness, reporting, and safe work practices.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

Knowledge/Experience

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Bilingual or Spanish speaking ability preferred.
• One to two years’ experience in human services, business or related field.
• Experience with adults with developmental disabilities in various programs preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Energetic, detail-oriented, adept at interpersonal interactions, possess a high degree of professionalism, and confidentiality is a must for this position.
• Ability to organize, multi-task and ensure project deadlines are met.
• Ability to present oneself professionally and pragmatically to program individuals, families, guardians, the business community, and representatives from other agencies. Ability to interact positively with program participants and agency staff.
• Ability to read, write, speak English fluently, and to communicate effectively as it relates to the job.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports and input data into excel spreadsheets and tracking systems.
• Must have the ability to consistently implement daily routine.
• Ability to work independently for long periods of time and under the guidance of a supervisor or designee.

Licenses/Certifications

• Adult CPR and First Aid. Current certifications will be accepted at the time of hire. Must obtain within six months of hire and renew annually thereafter and maintain throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license for the State of Massachusetts and maintain throughout employment. Must possess and maintain a vehicle registration and insurance.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to travel within the community and work at various job sites
• Ability to stand for extended periods (e.g., during job coaching)
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emotionally demanding situations
• Physical capability to support individuals in daily activities and training tasks
• Ability to maintain professionalism while representing Mercy Centre externally
• Walking and climbing are required for entry and mobility throughout all Catholic Charities Worcester County offices.

Why Join Us?

Catholic Charities Worcester County offers a supportive and mission-driven workplace where your work makes a meaningful impact in the community. We value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support their well-being and work-life balance.

Benefits

• for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees (30+ hours/week) include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Assistance Program
• Paid vacation time (full-time employees earn up to 3 weeks in their first year)
• Paid holidays (For full-time employees and for part-time employees scheduled to work on the date of the holiday)

At Catholic Charities, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive.

Catholic Charities Worcester County is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.