Employer Engagement Specialist - Project Will, Inc

Project WILL, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports young adults with behavioral health challenges through life's transitions while providing a launching pad for true growth and positive transformation. 

Project WILL creates opportunities for our members to give back to their supportive communities by volunteering.  As a result of volunteering, our members learn relevant skills necessary to secure and maintain employment.  We conduct personal responsibility classes and job readiness training in order to foster positive growth.

Project WILL is looking to hire am Employment Engagement Specialist.  The Employer Engagement Specialist (EES) connects and engage prospective employers from a variety of industries looking to create more diversity and inclusion in their workplace. Developing relationships with those who are interested in hiring individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities or other behavioral health challenges. The EES serves as a particularly important link between our programming and employment opportunities in the community. Instrumental in keeping Employment Support Specialists and Community Liaison Professionals informed on activities and curriculum needed to ensure appropriate skill development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide community outreach to potential employer partners with entry level positions that align with our Members skill set to foster independence and the achievement of their employment goals.
• Engage a host of community stakeholders that facilitate a smooth transition for our Members into the workplace.
• Advocate on behalf of our unemployed or underemployed Members and the broader community of individuals with disabilities.
• Educate potential employers on the benefits of hiring our Members and consideration of intentional recruitment from this talent pool.
• Participate in local, state and national workforce development coalitions and work groups.
• Schedule meetings with human resource directors and hiring managers to start meaningful conversations about our program and discuss their open or hard to fill positions.
• Host quarterly information sessions aimed at employers in a variety of industries and sectors and other workforce development organizations to educate decision makers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.
• Plan annual awards ceremony recognizing our employer partners. 
• Record data on metrics identified through funding proposals and evaluate progress in accordance with identified objectives.
• Utilize and encourage the use of identified accommodations and/or identified strategies to support the Members to succeed in their role. 
• Research relevant best practices and other pertinent material to support mentoring activities for peer mentors.
• Serve as primary person responsible for all employer inquiries or other paid and contracting opportunities for our Members. 
• Facilitate and support networking opportunities that encourage inclusion, community engagement and progress toward the achievement of employment goals.

COMMUNICATION, REPORTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Distribute a newsletter with the latest information on accessibility best practices, ADA regulations, relevant success stories, new partnerships and Member placements to employment and community partners.
• Appropriately schedule own appointments and meetings, develop agendas and/or presentations and promptly distribute meeting minutes, outcomes or action items.
• Complete monthly progress reports and upload in database or distribute to appropriate persons, as directed by leadership.
• Act as the liaison for communicating with employers, PWI leadership and program staff; ensuring communication is respectful and professional.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with HIPAA & regulatory guidelines.
• Use various means of communication (verbal, written and electronic) to complete work and effectively interact with internal and external customers.
• Actively participate in meetings as directed, taking action and following up on assigned items.
• Actively support a safe and healthy environment, monitoring for hazards and safety concerns.
• Immediately alert supervisor of any critical or potentially critical issue or crisis situation.
• Prepare reports according to timelines and in adherence with company and regulatory guidelines.
• Network with customers and other professionals to develop and maintain positive, supportive and collaborative relationships to support the company’s mission and initiatives.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay current on compliance and regulatory standards related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
• Ensure hours worked are recorded accurately and submitted within designated timelines.
• Regularly check email and other forms of electronic messaging and respond to communications within 48 hours or immediately in urgent/time sensitive situations.
• Identify new potential activities of interest through relevant resources.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3 years relevant work experience required.
• Experience with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other pertinent human resources or organizational leadership desired.

BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Knowledge and proficiency in networking and relationship building.
• Sales experience, recruitment, marketing and negotiating skills are critical to the success in this role.
• Ability to apply general understanding of business processes, services and products and to carry out instructions in written, verbal and visual form.
• Ability to develop schedule and carry-out the logistics for successful implementation.
• Ability to handle and carry out multiple tasks.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must have ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must have ability to lift/move/transfer materials weighing up to 75 lbs. periodically.
• Must have ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to reach, handle items, work with the fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials.
• Must maintain CPR and First Aid certification and must stay current on all other training as defined by Indiana state guidelines, industry accreditation standards and company guidelines.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic and caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.