OCB Program Specialist

*THIS POSITION COVERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, BUT MAY BE REQUIRED TO SERVE ALL OF PORTLAND METRO AT TIMES.*

A successful candidate will provide career exploration, job development, and job placement services to individuals who qualify and receive Supported Employment Services and/or those of the Oregon Commission of the Blind (OCB). The job requires creative problem-solving skills to find the best job match for the client based on their abilities. They will develop and secure jobs in the community through relationships with Employment Referral Sources, OCB, and local employers to support participants. Face-to-face, telephone, and electronic contact are required in addition to other networking opportunities. This position is responsible for maintaining client confidentiality.

Responsibilities:

Case and Client Management:

• Attend new client meetings to evaluate client needs and promote Trellis' OCB and Employment Support services.
• Review and evaluate new client paperwork and assess the job seeker’s skills and areas of interest for successful job placement.
• Manage complex scheduling and planning of client services.
• Create and maintain client documentation while ensuring confidentiality (protect personal identifying information, maintain records in locked files, transmitted records).
• Collaborate effectively with OCB and Employment staff, client, client support team, and key Trellis team members
• Meet with each client weekly to:
• Review job postings
• Assess skills and interests
• Conduct skill-building activities
• Set up and conduct informational interviews
• Visit potential employers
• 5–10 in-person employer/business follow-ups per client
• 3–5 Progressive Employment activities per client that include informational interviews, job shadows, skill-building tasks in the community
• Work onsite from the Trellis office at least one day per week
• Submit at least 10 job applications per client per month

OCB and Employment Support Employment Services:

• Match potential OCB and/or Supported Employment clients and employers using a variety of professional job placement skills.
• Conduct labor market analysis for OCB and Supported Employment job seekers.
• Develop and implement effective marketing strategies and present customized job proposals to engage employers and result in placement opportunities.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with businesses and develop employment opportunities with a variety of employers. This may include cold calling.
• Negotiate needed job modifications, work schedules, wages, and other particular needs with employers.
• Provide initial and ongoing individual support, encouragement, and motivation to clients and conduct necessary follow-up to ensure job satisfaction and retention.
• Support OCB and Supported Employment Client-specific Job Coaching as needed
• Coordinate a cohesive transition when Trellis OCB and Supported Employment Supports and Services are no longer needed

Additional Responsibilities:

• Align with Trellis’ OCB and Employment Program core values, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure all OCB and Employment program reports and presentations are clear and professional.
• Maintain OCB and Supported Employment-specific competencies through training and continuing education.
• Communicate positively with Trellis staff, client, client support team, and Trellis team members.
• Visit and connect with potential employers in person
• Discuss OCB’s Paid Work Experience Program (OCB pays 3–6 months’ wages to incentivize employers) and Supported Employment Benefits for non-OCB clients
• Focus initially on employers that match the needs and skills of current clients
• Cultivate ongoing business relationships to support future client placements
• Design and implement skill-building exercises specifically adapted for individuals with low or no vision
• Interview practice with client
• Workplace orientation exercises with the client
• Travel/mobility skill integration with the client
• Integration into the community with the client
• Attend classes, trainings, and workshops as assigned individually and/or with the client
• Understand and continue building professional knowledge on the unique supports needed for clients with visual impairments
• Recognize that although most OCB clients do not have I/DD, there can still be skill and independence gaps that require individualized supports
• Be proactive, flexible, and creative in addressing client needs
• Represent Trellis OCB/Employment with professionalism, empathy, and advocacy
• Perform other duties as requested/assigned, even if not OCB/Employment related

OCB/Employment Program Development:

• Assist in building and refining:
• Specific and necessary forms
• Tools and resources
• Program processes
• This will be an ongoing, evolving project as Trellis continues to develop and expand OCB-related services and expand services State-wide, and Trellis revamps the Employment Program

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Complete all OCB and Employment client onboarding tasks as needed
• Attend weekly meetings with management to:
• Review client updates
• Set employer follow-up tasks
• Address barriers and strategize solutions
• Maintain accurate, timely billing notes in the Monthly OCB and Employment Reports
• Attend as Trellis Representative all OCB and Employment events as assigned by Management, including OCB Jobsville meeting and Supported Employment referral sources (VR Office, Counties, and Brokerages)
• Complete and maintain Workday, OCB, ANCOR, and First Aid/CPR trainings and certifications as required

Preferred Knowledge and Experience:

• Verifiable Work History in the last 3 years with contactable references
• Previous experience supporting OCB and Supported Employment clients
• Previous completion of Workday certifications related to Supported Employment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, instructional skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivation and willingness to take initiative and ownership of outcomes.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to Pass Background Check - Includes Fingerprint (Must Have)
• Valid driver's license, reliable car, and automobile insurance (Must Have)
• Willing to travel regularly throughout the Portland Metro area (Must Have)

Nice to Have Knowledge and Experience:

• Degree/Degree Focus, Certificate, personal or professional experience supporting sight impairment and/or other disabilities, including I/DD
• Experience with Google Suites (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.) or Microsoft Office Suites.

Job Type: Full-time - Hourly - Follow BOLI scheduled break and lunch requirements

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week - Overtime OK with Manager Approval

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends/Evenings as needed

Ability to Support State Wide Clients (if necessary)

Work Location: Hybrid. The majority of work is performed from the Trellis Office, personal/home office, in the community, OCB offices when necessary/training, or at the client's job site.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off

Work Location: On the road