Employment Specialist | Entry Level | 30 hours per week

About First Place AZ

We are a spirited charitable nonprofit organization developing and operating home and community options for adults with autism and other neurodiversities. First Place-Phoenix, our flagship property, is raising the bar on supportive housing for this population and represents home for individuals who live here, peace of mind for family and friends, and an inspiring and enriching workplace environment.

First Place AZ is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Opportunity

The Employment Specialist will be responsible for assisting the Director, Workplace & Community Inclusion in assisting residents and Transition Academy students of First Place Phoenix identify and/or attain both volunteer and employment opportunities. This individual will also provide residents and students appropriate interview coaching, assistance in developing marketing skills for employment opportunities and resume preparation (and revisions). The Employment Specialist must be a self-starter with strong oral and written communication skills who is comfortable working directly with residents, students and community partners while serving as a key member of the First Place team committed to our mission of building communities that integrate adults with ASD and other neurodiversities.

Who You Are

You have a passion for and experience in providing excelling customer service. You have experience working with a neurodiverse population – specifically modeling and/or prompting individuals with autism or other neurodiversities when performing independent living skills and experience with supportive decision making.

You can work in a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible, organized, proactive, resourceful, and efficient with a high level of professionalism. Collaboration, demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards, achieving established organizational outcomes and promoting a diverse workplace. You are open to direction and supervisory feedback; committed to high-quality job performance; comfortable and confident in sharing and receiving ideas and feedback within a team.

What You’ll Do

As an Employment Specialist, you will:

• Provide one-on-one individualized support to the residents of First Place to assist them in the development of employment skills (resume writing, job interviews, application completion, etc.).
• Work with residents on career planning, resume writing, interview skills, work preparation, job applications, professionalism, interpersonal skills in the workplace, transportation and other skills needed for successful employment.
• Solicit and receive job postings and disseminate information to the residents of First Place.
• Identify and secure volunteer and employment opportunities
• Provide on-going support to and communication with residents throughout their employment or volunteer term.
• Provide job coaching to help residents develop skills necessary to perform their work duties.
• Provide additional resources needed for residents to successfully perform their job tasks.
• Create resident Employment quarterly reports
• Provide education to residents through various methods, including classes, seminars, community forums, webinars, etc.
• Facilitate community life activities, including the First Place Gives volunteer program
• Collaborate with the Employment Team on resident and student support
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What You'll Bring

• Required: High school diploma or G.E.D. Currently in progress toward a bachelor’s degree in social service or related field (i.e., social work, psychology, special education, sociology, human services, etc.) from an accredited four-year college or university.
• 1+ years of experience in benefits coordination and/or employment services.
• Experience working with individuals with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities (preferred, not required).
• Experience and high level of competence organizing and conducting productive meetings, training sessions and other public-speaking activities.
• Outstanding references from previous employers.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Collaborative management style; interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with supervisor, management team, co-workers and the greater community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt/accommodate the varying needs and preferences of individuals within the resident population.
• Commitment to high professional ethical standards and to promoting a diverse workplace.
• Commitment to high-quality job performance.
• Ability to exhibit support of and respect for an individual’s right to self-determination and independence within the neuro-diverse population of First Place–Phoenix residents.
• Willingness to take direction and to be open to supervisory feedback.
• Demonstrates integrity, respect, kindness and excellence in work and interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of software/programs, including but not limited to Microsoft, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and appropriately prioritize tasks and responsibilities.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive pay range: $20-24 (based on experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Flexible schedule (based on organization's needs)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• benefits coordination or employment services: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Phoenix, AZ 85012 (Required)

Work Location: In person