Youth Employment Specialist

The Youth Employment Specialist (Also, known as Youth Transition Coordinator) is the liaison between the school systems in Maryland and Penn-Mar in all aspects. This position works directly with people with Intellectual Disabilities, in a variety of settings, included but not limited to their home, the community, places of employment, and virtual supports. Duties include engaging people in meaningful activities related to their personal goals, support with assistive technology, communication, skill building, discovery activities, and maintaining health and safety. This position is responsible for ensuring all applicable regulations and Penn-Mar policies and procedures are met.

Education/Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• AA degree and 2 years related experience required
• BA degree and 1-year related experience preferred or
• Master's degree and 1-year related experience preferred
• Previous certifications in ACRE and CESP preferred

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Professional verbal and written communication skills (i.e., discussions during team meetings, regularly reading and responding to emails)
• Maintaining effective relationships with other team members, supervisor, and others in the organization
• Proficient with interpersonal and relationship building skills
• A valid driver's license for 2 years required and maintain Penn-Mar's acceptable driver requirements as outlined in Team Member Handbook, for all positions requiring driving
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Positive role-model for others and able to work on a team
• Commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative environment
• Flexible in changing environments
• Flexibility with work schedule (evenings/weekends possible)
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Experience in or willingness to learn a variety of software applications is required including documentation software and other case management software

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• There are no supervisory responsibilities in this role.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Person Centered Approach

• Support people to identify and live out their goals and dreams
• Foster the informed decision-making process, through education, experience, and exposure and provide active supports
• Facilitate the completion of Assistive Technology assessment and encourage people supported and teams to utilize Assistive Technology to better meet their personal outcomes and support greater independence
• Encourage people to advocate for themselves and participate in self advocacy groups when desired
• Support people to have healthy relationships with others (friends, family, support staff, non-paid natural supports, community members)
• Connecting with community resources to enhance supports and relationships
• Ensure the rights of people supported are reviewed annually and in a way in which the person can best understand. Ensure rights are protected and help people to advocate for themselves if their rights are violated

Compliance

• Ensure understanding of individuals PCP/IEP and implement as outlined
• Remain up to date with all changes to an individual's PCP/IEP
• Demonstrate and maintain compliance with all applicable regulations for required program/state
• Follow all incident reporting based on state requirements in a timely manner to supervisor with descriptive and detailed documentation
• Ensure all mandatory trainings and certifications are completed in the required timeframe
• Complete daily service notes, daily attendance, and other required documentation

Youth Transition Coordinator Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable about current policies and procedures
• Maintain professional relationships with all stakeholders, including the families of those supported
• Maintain confidential information and exercise discretion
• Participate in self-development activities or training
• Be alert and orientated during scheduled shifts ensuring that all responsibilities are met
• Create and demonstrate a culture of appreciation within teams
• Participate in employment forums, such as MD Works, MACS, ANCOR
• Participate in DORS meetings to ensure compliance and monitor financials
• Facilitate organizational trainings as an adjunct training when deemed appropriate
• Provide employment services, if appropriate scheduled coverage is not available in any setting of employment services
• Coordinate the annual event of the Youth Transition fair
• Actively participate and in organizational initiatives/change work
• Safely transport people using a company vehicle or a reliable personal vehicle if required
• Provide accurate and detailed information that pertains to the individuals' goals for the supports provided for the purpose of goal documentation
• Teach/role model life skills
• Identify and appropriately implement Penn-Mar trained ideologies and practices for crisis de-escalation
• Network with the local community and school systems to build partnerships
• Actively involved with the school system needs as contracted.

Financial Oversight

• Advocate and help establish a yearly budget for the program
• Work within program budget, review weekly worked reports and monthly financial statements to ensure adherence to budget for WBLE's and TCA
• Review weekly attendance reports to ensure accuracy and to capture all revenue
• Document for DORS invoices when services are provided within the timeframe

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform essential functions. The level and duration of physical exertion may vary in the performance of this job.
• While performing essential functions and duties the team member will typically remain in a stationary position (stand or sit), walk (move or traverse), drive/operate motor vehicles, grasp, handle or feel objects, talk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms. The team member will regularly be required to position self (to) move, including ascending and descending stairs, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, pushing, pulling, and twisting
• Supporting one in their job requires adaptation to the working conditions at that job site (inside/outside, no air-conditioning/heat)
• Lift and carry or otherwise move items 20/50 pounds regularly/occasionally.
• Must be able to transfer or assist in transferring individuals.
• Must have visual acuity adequate to perform essential functions. (i.e.-operate motor vehicles and detect dangers or risks)
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English to communicate with individuals and other team members.

Work Conditions:

• Work environment involves some exposure physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work environment involves exposure to bodily fluids and other conditions common to an IDD support environment.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as behaviors, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Our budgeted hourly range are as follows*:

• $20.34-$23.00

*The above budget hourly range are a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role offered, the work location, and business considerations.

Penn-Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.