Employment Specialist

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

The Staff Assistant Experience (SAE) at Ramapo for Children, is a transitional residential program for young adults (17–26) with autism (level 1), ADHD, and learning differences. Based on our 240-acre Rhinebeck campus, SAE combines residential living, vocational training, life skills development, and community engagement, offering meaningful opportunities for participants to grow while contributing to a vibrant campus community.

The full time Employment Specialist will ensure the health, safety, well-being and progress of young adults through structure, supervision, and timely communication. They will build relationships and be a role model for staff and participants; use a strengths-based approach to problem solving; and address unmet needs and developing skills through intentional daily interactions, individual coaching sessions, and facilitation of group discussions. The Employment Specialist reports to the Director, works collaboratively with all staff and is responsible for coordinating and executing community-based activities including vocational programming, community college connections and other community-related activities. *Occasional evenings and weekends required.

Responsibilities include and are not limited to :

• Serve as a job skills instructor and coach for Ramapo’s SAE participants
• Build upon Ramapo’s existing job skills curriculum and document additions
• Use evidence based tools to assess and teach job readiness skills
• Provide coaching during on and off campus, volunteer, internship and work experiences
• Observe each participant during work experience and provide regular one-on-one verbal and written feedback regarding job skills
• Lead one or more job skills workshops each week
• Communicate with caregivers as needed
• Identify when a participant is ready for community-based experiences and match them to appropriate opportunities based on their skills and interests
• Regularly provide feedback based on observations, and identify staff and participant training needs
• Assist families and participants with accessing community college courses and related supports
• Maintain existing partnerships with local businesses and organizations related to work or volunteer placements for participants (ex. Rhinebeck/Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce, ACCES-VR); develop new partnerships in order to provide each program participant with one or more appropriate off-campus experiences
• Support employers and community partners in creating and maintaining inclusive and supportive neuroaffirming work environments
• Participate in networking events, job fairs, tabling events, etc.
• Develop community-based programming that meets the unique needs of program participants (CONNECT!, mock job fairs, career exploration, etc.)
• Maintain accurate and updated documentation, resources, and related information
• Knowledge of benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, and determining how employment might impact eligibility.
• Assist with other responsibilities related to SAE, the Rhinebeck campus, or Ramapo as an organization when needed.

Required skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work, or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in career counseling, job placement or community services.
• Previous experience in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or working with individuals with disabilities is highly preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person