The Resource Center has been providing services to persons with disabilities in the Chautauqua County area since 1958. From our humble beginnings as a gathering of parents and concerned citizens who wanted to provide educational and training opportunities for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities, The Resource Center has grown into a comprehensive agency providing services to thousands of persons with all types and levels of disabilities.
The Resource Center is the largest non-governmental employer in Chautauqua County with more than 1,300 employees on its payroll.
The mission of The Resource Center is to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges in achieving maximum independence, contributing to their community, experiencing lifelong growth, and enjoying quality of life.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must possess and demonstrate a firm understanding of the principles of Person-Centered Planning, citizenship, and life planning, as well as the ability to distinguish between what is important to a person and what is important for a person; Must be able to listen effectively and “hear” what each person being supported is saying and act with intention; Ability and willingness to advocate on behalf of persons being supported, as needed. Must possess a working knowledge of applicable Federal and State regulations; Demonstrated knowledge of employment supports and plan development and implementation is critical; Must be able to self-direct, self-initiate, problem-solve, and effectively facilitate; Must be flexible and willing to work non-traditional hours, as needed or assigned to meet customer needs; Excellent verbal and written communication skills across various channels is essential; Strong organizational skills are critical; Strong computer skills and knowledge of or ability to learn and utilize software packages including Outlook, Word, Excel, and program specific Electronic Health Record. Ability to sell/market TRC services and job seekers. Ability to effectively communicate with varied groups and individuals, including employers and the business community, person supported, families, funding agencies and other staff. Knowledge of the principles of vocational supports, employment issues and supported employment theory and practice. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job. Traveling to multiple locations within the county to support people and build and network employer relationships with businesses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a program serving individuals with disabilities or coordinated-care environment. Experience in coordination of services and program plan design is strongly preferred. Experience in job development or other selling/marketing preferred. Valid driver’s license, use of a personal vehicle, and willingness to travel for work or equivalent accommodations is required. Regular expectation to work non-traditional hours to include evenings and weekends to meet the employer’s needs.

OTHER:

1. Ongoing Continuing Education classes required by OPWDD and ACCES-VR to ensure staff have a high level of expertise in employment supports.
2. Investigates all possibilities of job sources and openings using any and all available resources, i.e., indeed, ODEP, newspapers, Department of Labor database, employer contacts, etc.
3. Contacts community businesses and employers to develop relationships, to market TRC employment services, and to provide information regarding how TRC can help employers with their specific labor needs.
4. Work in partnership with the job coaches to support the person in successful employment outcomes.
5. Offer assistance/education to employers, potential employers and/or community groups regarding ADA compliance, worksite modifications, specific available incentives, i.e., Work Opportunity Tax Credit, On-The-Job-Training, supported, etc.
6. Completes all necessary reports, paperwork, and billing information in a timely manner.
7. Provide training/education in the areas of job seeking skills, interview preparation, resume development, etc.
8. Depending upon the needs of the department, may perform specific assigned support or follow-up services, i.e. job coaching.
9. Perform all other duties as needed or assigned.

1. Actively engage in the lives of the persons whom you support in order to effectively and confidently assist them with identifying and developing their life roles and in partnership with their team, ensures satisfaction and fulfillment in their quality of life, family stability, behavioral health, health/medical, and employment/education/community contributions.
2. Responsible to engage in regular contact with the service providers that support each person on assigned caseload and provides clear and timely communication of information.
3. Attends team meetings and is responsible to ensure alignment of employment services towards fulfillment of the persons’ life goals and valued outcomes.
4. Responsible to coordinate with each person, their Care Coordinator and the team in the development and implementation of an individualized plan demonstrating the collective actions and expectations of team members to successfully support the person in realizing his/her life goals.
5. Is accountable amongst service providers regarding implementation of an individualized employment plan via completion of a comprehensive monthly summary note consistent with regulatory expectations and timeframe(s).
6. In collaboration with each person on assigned caseload, develops and monitors milestones that directly correlate to his/her life goals and valued outcomes, as well as, overseeing progress and modifying as necessary to effectively move the person forward.
7. Responsible to update and maintain comprehensive plans of protection and/or safeguards with each person on assigned caseload and their support team.
8. In collaboration with each person on assigned caseload, develops, monitors and revises his/her comprehensive, customized employment plan by strategically and intentionally aligning the actions and expectations of services, which will result in the person realizing his/her life goals.
9. Maintains working knowledge of SSI and SSDI benefits and how they can be affected by a person working.
10. Educate person on affected benefits and assist in reporting income to Social Security. Refer for benefits counselor when necessary.
11. Assumes primary Case Manager responsibilities and adheres to regulatory requirements, as needed or assigned.