Come work for the Bucks IU! A great opportunity to be part of a collaborative work environment and do meaningful work that impacts our local community. This position is hourly and pays $20 per hour.

Summary/Objective: Under the direction of the Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services, provide direct support to adults with disabilities in varied settings related to employment. Support adults with disabilities in developing, refining and generalizing skills necessary for successful employment.

Essential Functions:

• Provides on-site employment support to assist the individual in performing his or her work duties.
• Provides accommodations and adaptations to work site in order to facilitate client independence.
• Apply effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of participant communication styles.
• Maintain accurate data regarding individual progress toward goals (hours worked, performance on job).
• Utilizes and assesses client preferences, skills, aptitudes, and strengths to identify potential employment opportunities.
• Provides practice for employment preparation and job retention skills on the work site.
• Accompanies clients on the job search/ interview.
• Explore with the participant his/her vocational interests and aptitudes, assist in preparing for job or school entry, and review opportunities for continued career growth.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Supervisory Responsibility:

There are no supervisory responsibilities within this role.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time, 260-day calendar position up to and not exceeding 29 hours/week. Days and hours of work are variable and flexible. Hours are dependent on the needs of the individual client. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: Travel or transport may be expected for this position. This position will serve both Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Education and Experience:

1. Experience with students or adults with disabilities preferred

2. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License required if transporting students

3. Able to pass Motor Vehicle background check

Level of Degree:

High School Diploma required.

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in education, business, marketing, communications, public relations, rehabilitation, psychology, or an area related to job development for persons with disabilities is desired.

Willing to obtain the following minimum qualification within 6 months of being hired

a. The Association for Community Rehabilitation Educators ( ACRE) or

b. The Association for People Supporting Employment First ( APSE) Certified Employment Support Professional Credential.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.

2. Knowledge of disabilities.

3. Ability to take initiative, establish and maintain working relationships with community businesses/ volunteer work sites.

4. Work effectively with individuals from a variety of educational, socio-economic, ethnic and disability groups.

5. Impart and obtain information tactfully and accurately.

6. Strong organization skills

7. Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken with the client

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.