Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.·Brentwood, New York
The Workforce Development Specialist assesses client vocational abilities and collaborates with staff to identify support needs. They also build community business relationships to secure job placements, volunteer opportunities, and situational assessments for participants.
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Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.
The primary role of the Workforce Development Specialist is to assess the abilities of FREE clients in all vocational programming. To accomplish this, the Specialist will collaborate with FREE employment staff across all programs to discuss the skills and abilities of the client, while also identifying areas where support is needed. The Workforce Development Specialist will develop and maintain connections to businesses and other organizations in the community that all employment programs can utilize to place program participants in paid positions, volunteer opportunities, or situational community assessments. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Establishes and develops relationships with businesses and organizations in the community to provide program participants with job placements, assessments, and volunteer opportunities. Collaborates with all staff in vocational and employment programming to ensure quality service provision to clients. Continuously assesses participants in all vocational and employment programming via skill assessments and observational tools to properly match the correct services and placements to the clients’ current needs. Monitors ACCES-VR and Career Specific Vocational Training students and their progress with their curriculum of choice to properly guide them through the continuum of services and job placement. Assists clients with completing service applications such as ACCES-VR, ETP, and internal applications to services within FREE Completes daily documentation of both direct and indirect services into appropriate electronic health systems. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and enhance individual vocational skills. Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds. Performs other duties as assigned. Responsibilities of All FREE Employees Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community. Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees. Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk. Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours. Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance. Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.
Education & Experience: Must meet one of the following criteria: High School Diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required. Associate’s degree in human services or another related field and two (2) years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required. Bachelor’s degree in human services or another related field and one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and/or mental health disorders in a supported employment and/or vocational setting required. Experience completing assessments for vocational evaluation preferred. Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications: Not required, training will be provided upon hire as needed Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities: Proficient computer skills Proficient writing skills with grasp of basic grammar and spelling Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication/interpersonal skills Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential Knowledge of OPWDD, OMH, and ACCES-VR regulations regarding vocational and employment services Must stay updated with policies and procedures within FREE as well as within state employment services Other Requirements: 18 years of age or older Ability to work a flexible schedule based on program needs Valid driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the agency required WORK ENVIRONMENT This role is performed in-person and is working in the community about 50% of the time. Travel is required during the day between FREE and community locations. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period (at least 8 hours). Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets. Employee might be required to lift/move light items. Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE. FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all of its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises’ affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are set out and described in our affirmative action plan for protected veterans and individuals with a disability. If you have any questions or would like to view the affirmative action plan, please visit our website www.familyres.org
Candidates must have a high school diploma with three years of experience, an associate degree with two years, or a bachelor's degree with one year of experience in a vocational or supported employment setting. A valid driver's license and the ability to work a flexible schedule are required.
Market context
In New York, community-based Workforce Development Specialist roles often see steady demand from providers supporting vocational and supported employment services. Competition can be strong because employers look for candidates with the right mix of education, hands-on experience, a valid driver’s license, and schedule flexibility. On this platform, job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, helping you review the role faster; before applying, compare your background to the experience pathway that best matches your education level.