Community Integration Specialist at Goodwill Industries of SE WIS in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Job Description:

The Community Integration Specialist is responsible for providing community-based training to adults with developmental disabilities in preparation for jobs in the community. This position assesses skills with input from the individual, family and stakeholders, coordinates community training sites, and provides individualized training in a typical 2:1 service ratio in the areas of vocational, independent living and social skills.

RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL:

Implements strategies to achieve the goals for the organization and provides community-based training to adults with developmental disabilities to prepare them for employment in the community. . Sustains policies, procedures and programs. Typically works on projects and tasks that span 3 - 12 months.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. Project and Change Management: Effectively plans and manages own work to reliably complete routine job responsibilities and special assignments. Periodically serves as a team member or subject matter expert on formal or department projects. Effectively engages in change affecting her/him, communicating appropriately with supervisor. Follows through on learning, skill building, and practice necessary to adapt to change.
2. Problem Solving: General supervision, regular review of work by manager or senior coworker. May be paired with senior team member for development purposes. Uses skills to solve problems of routine complexity; able to identify root cause, interpret data, and resolve issues.
3. Technical Skills: Fundamental knowledge of professional principles and skills. Works in compliance with established procedures.
4. Community Engagement: Serves as an ambassador for Goodwill in the wider community. Participates in volunteer opportunities as schedules and interest permit.
5. Trains individuals in community-based settings with a focus on building self-awareness, job exploration, professional behaviors, resume and interview skills, and soft skill and technical job skill acquisition. Facilitates natural supports in the community learning environment and strategically fades support as individuals become more independent.
6. Assesses individual skills, needs, vocational interests, and motivation on an ongoing basis, using written evaluations and observation. Identifies related training objectives that support advancement toward community employment.
7. Develops individualized materials, plans and implements learning activities that support progression through training stages.
8. Documents training progress through regular case notes and reports, objective reviews, and individual plans.
9. Facilitates application to to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and provides liaison support throughout the intake process. Responsible to provide consistent support as individuals' transition into jobs in the community.
10. Initiates ongoing communication and coordination with families, caregivers, Family Care Case Managers, DVR Counselors, and Goodwill staff to aid collaborative support of individuals as they move toward employment in the community.
11. Coaches individuals in following medical plans, encourages healthy and safe choices, informs caregivers and funding sources, and advocates when appropriate. Completes timely incident reports, as needed.
12. Researches and develops partnerships with community organizations and local businesses where training can occur, such as volunteer work and job exploration.
13. Transports individuals in Community Access van or private vehicle. Trains individuals on city bus routes and safety in the community. Assists with scheduling of specialized transportation, as needed.
14. Responsible for completing other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Two years of college education or experience equivalency, and a minimum of 1 year experience.
2. Must have valid driver's license, necessary insurance and be able to legally operate a vehicle.

CORE CULTURAL COMPETENCIES:

1. Customer Focus: Independently anticipate and meet customer needs, while searching for ways to improve customer service. Internalize customer feedback, and follow up with customer to ensure problems are solved by providing innovative ideas to meet their future needs.
2. Values Differences: Seeks out the diverse perspectives and talents of others, striving to work effectively with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds or styles. Behave with sensitivity towards differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. Challenge stereotyping or offensive comments.
3. Communicates Effectively: Shares information and updates with others, while ensuring a clear, concise and professional communication through reports, documentation, written and other communications. Listens with interest to what others have to say.
4. Situational Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility of responses to different situations through adapting to the changing needs, conditions, priorities or opportunities. Monitors how well an approach is working to see if a change is needed, recognizing cues that suggest a change in approach or behavior is needed.
5. Drives Results: Demonstrates a strong drive to achieve meaningful results, through driving tasks to successful completion and closure. Sets high standards for own performance, showing determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
6. Ensures Accountability: Takes responsibility and ownership for successes and failures in own work. Monitors progress of performance and changes approach accordingly, following through on commitments.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS:

Remain stationary for extended periods of time, repetitive use of hands and vision required while using computer keyboard and work with written and electronic information, ability to facilitate coaching and training, travel required. Moves about to accomplish tasks.

(SEW) (JOW)