Work With Us

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What You’ll Do

The Employment Specialist will lead clients throughout all phases of employment. This includes preparing, obtaining and sustaining competitive employment in a community job setting that is person-centered and consistent with their vocational goals. Specifically, your work will center on:

Employment Services

• Provide all Pre-Vocational training (virtually and in-person; 1:1 and small group), Supported Employment 1:1, on site and Long Term Follow Along for assigned caseload including but not limited to:
  • Job application completion
  • Side by side vocational job training
  • Interview readiness, resume completion
  • Virtual and in-person employment readiness
• Responsible for the creation and administration of a comprehensive Individual Plan for Employment.
• Perform job development within the community.
• Facilitate at minimum 2 job clubs per month.
• Develops a professional working relationship with colleagues, supervisors, families, clients, stakeholders and providers.
• Communicate client progress with the appropriate team members, stakeholders and funder.
• Attend and participate in meetings as required and invited, minimally, the clients’ annual ISP meetings.
• Completion of all other duties that are needed to support the clients, families and programming quality progressions.

Who You Are & Keys to Success

To be successful in this position, you possess these qualities:

• Understanding of employment services. You have experience in providing employment services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. You also have experience with employment readiness and pre-vocational skills development for job seekers.
• Belief in employment for all. You have a strong belief that people with special needs can and should be given every opportunity for competitive community-based employment. All decisions and actions are completed with a person-centered focus. You relate well to adults with disabilities; establish, positive relationship with each client.
• Communication and relationship is key.  You can communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. You are comfortable working in a remote environment. You problem solve through issues and deliver a high-level of customer service to clients consistently exhibiting professionalism and diplomacy. You respect and maintain confidentiality of consumers and co-workers
• You have a make it happen mentality. You are highly organized and motivated. You have experience in managing your work and time efficiently.
• Using technology. You are proficient in the use of computers, including the use of Google Workplace and video communications (Zoom, Google Meet). Microsoft Office knowledge preferred.

The Learning Experience Coordinator works in conjunction with the Director of Learning and Development in concert with internal departments to assess and evaluate training needs. The objective is to develop engaging and innovative internal, external and participant training content. This position is also responsible for delivering training materials in an engaging and professional manner. This role is a key component to Advocates in Action; serving as an ambassador of Advocates in Action to the community and stakeholders.

Who We Are

We are Advocates dedicated to employment for all. AIA is built on the mission to be a voice for those who do not have one. We accomplish this through employment advocacy and encouraging everyone to embrace their story. What can you expect from us:

1. An environment where the team embraces the AIA values of being an advocate,  inclusive and influential. 
2. Structured tools to ensure that you see success in a primarily virtual environment. 
3. A knowledgeable team of leadership and colleagues that embrace the mission.
4. Encouragement and inclusion into a collaborative evaluation and development model that fosters independence, efficiency and professional development. 

What You’ll Do

You will develop engaging and innovative internal, external and participant training content, along with delivering training materials both internally and to external training participants. Specifically, your work will center on:

Content Development & Management

• Understand the complexities of the AIA business and build relationships across the business.
• Bring outside expertise and perspective to determine appropriate course content and course delivery methods (eLearning, instructor-led, virtual instructor-led, blended learning, etc.).
• Translate instructional concepts into innovative, on-brand, interactive, one-of-a-kind learning solutions; updating existing content and creating new content.
• Design and develop knowledge and performance-based learning checks, and assessments and other mechanisms/methods to verify learning.
• Develop new slide decks, facilitator guides/manuals and homework materials for online training delivery.
• Perform all duties required for e-learning content launch, including course upload, testing, user assignment and notifications.
• Work with stakeholders across AIA to identify learning needs for employees and clients.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of templates, learning models, and overall best practices.
• Collaborate with the Director of Learning and Development to integrate current and emerging educational technologies into outcomes-driven, impactful learning designs.
• Perform administrative duties, as required, including maintenance of content and training records and LMS management.

Training

• Serve as the trainer to conduct a variety of internal staff trainings and small group client Pre-vocational trainings.
• Deliver engaging training sessions using modern learning formats including both online and in-person sessions related to topics such as client-centered practice, how to engage clients, conflict management, leadership skills, community employment and other related content areas. Along with other areas of focus as AIA and/or the department heads deem necessary.
• Fostering and maintaining relationships with customers (trainers, supervisors, clients and peer workers).
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current and future training and offerings and make recommendations for improvement.
• In collaboration with the members of the Everyone Can Work and Learning and Development Teams, develop a monthly training calendar.

Who You Are & Keys to Success

To be successful in this position, you possess these qualities:

• Belief in employment for all. You have a strong belief that people with special needs and individuals with mental health issues can and should be given every opportunity for competitive community-based employment. All decisions and actions are completed with a person-centered focus.
• Communication and relationships are key. You excel in effective oral and written communication. You have an enthusiastic, motivational training and facilitation style; able to present in front of groups or on video. You possess the ability to work with a team and independently. High-quality customer service matters to you. You have strong competencies and value working collaboratively and effectively with diverse colleagues and clients in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Lifelong learner. Training isn’t just about helping others grow, it’s your own personal belief as well. You identify as someone with intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and the desire to constantly improve.
• Make it happen mentality. The ability to take initiative and exhibit leadership. You are highly organized and motivated. You have experience in managing your work and time efficiently. Ambiguity doesn’t hinder progress, you exhibit problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise integrity and sound judgment.
• Technology excites you. You are proficient in the use of computers, including the use of Google Workplace, video communications (Zoom, Google Meet), and Microsoft Office. Learning Management System and Articulate Storyline knowledge preferred.

In addition to these core qualities, you are someone who:

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field: communications, training, education, computer science or related field.
• Has minimally 1 year of experience in instructional design and developing learning content, preferably in a similar setting working with adults with disabilities.
• Has the ability to pass mandated screenings (background checks, driving record, drug test)

What Else You Should Know

We are an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. The position is full-time (exempt, salary) and is ideally based in New Jersey (although we might have flexibility on location for the right candidate).

What Now?

If you feel you’re a good fit for AIA and this position, please send your resume and an attachment (no more than 1 page) answering the following questions: (1) What does it mean to be an Advocate first to you? and (2) What excites you about this position? No cover letter required. If you have a portfolio, share the link to show us your skills.