About Opportunities, Inc.

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided chances to build a broad range of skills, gain new knowledge, interact with their community and, most importantly, be provided a variety of inclusive opportunities within the communities where they work, recreate, and live. We provide excellence in vocational, social, and adaptive skill development to help adults with disabilities achieve their fullest potential for independence and self-confidence. 

About the role

The Senior Workforce Developer reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer and is responsible for supporting all aspects of employment services for people within Opportunities, Inc.’s services that are seeking employment. While this position will not regularly provide direct support for people, the Senior Workforce Developer will focus on supporting Employment Specialists through training on best practices, providing resources for problem solving obstacles as they arise, and other elements that support the direct support workforce in navigating employment services. Additionally, this role will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local offices from the Division of Rehabilitation Services. This includes acting as a liaison with all DORS Counselors. This role will assist leadership in the development and implementation of Employment Services protocols that focus on all job development activities, including the Discovery Process. This position will also work closely with the Finance Department’s Billing Specialist to ensure that all DORS invoices are created accurately and that all supporting documentation, including DORS reports/forms, is complete with accurate information.

What you'll do

• Coordinate with Director of Training to ensure all Employment Specialists are up to date with training required by the State of Maryland (via the DDA Training Matrix) and that all Employment team members are compliant with CESP certification requirements as set forth within the Community Pathways and Community Supports Waivers. • Provide support to the Employment Services team to ensure that all waiver Employment Services funding streams, through DDA, are understood thoroughly. • Work with Program Managers and Employment Specialists to assess individuals’ skills related to employment and assist in the coordination of services to build employment skills and marketability.
• Provide assistance to Support Coordinators around the development of employmentrelated PCP goals, ensuring that Competitive Integrated Employment is the focus of all Employment Services. • Provide support to Program Teams focused on reviewing information related to people served to build an employment profile that focuses on how to implement best practices to help people achieve employment outcomes.
• Develop/Implement/Update a process for “Discovery,” with people served, to help identify interests and needs related to employment. Engage directly in the process of Discovery, implementing the company’s protocol for Discovery. • Provide Employment Specialists with training and information related to engaging in Discovery and the different roles taken within the process.
• Consult with Program Managers regarding the funding for all people receiving Employment services to ensure it is allocated in a manner where the person would not be in jeopardy of losing access to services. • Regularly review of all required documentation for DORS billing purposes including progress notes, DORS forms, attendance information, employment forms, etc.
• Provide support to Employment Specialists to ensure that best practices are implemented during service delivery.
• As needed, attend any program team meetings where topics related to Employment Services are on the agenda. • Attend internal and external meetings, as necessary, to promote professional growth, discuss needs of people served, successful employment placements, etc.
• Communicate and coordinate with Program Managers to support sharing of pertinent information with team members that ensures all needs related to employment are addressed including Job development, on-site support, off-site support, follow-along support, etc.
• Coordinate with Program Managers to provide on-site support, when needed, to employment services staff in the field. • Conducts all needed Outreach to DORS offices to solicit referrals and also inform DORS Counselors about Opportunities, Inc.’s employment services.
• Oversee the coordination of all DORS funded EDS courses for areas services; Facilitating EDS courses as necessary, and collaborating with Program Manager to ensure all Employment Specialists are equipped to provide EDS instruction to people served.
• Create, Maintain and update Protocol for services funded through the Division of Rehabilitation Services to include referral and admission process, discharge/service completion process, billing/invoicing procedures, etc.
• Coordinates and communicates all billing discrepancies from DORS counselors with the Finance Department; works to resolve any and all service billing issues as reported from DORS Counselors. • Work with Program Teams to ensure that up to date employment information, for people served, is captured within Opportunities, Inc.’s database (iCare Manager.)
• Provide Insight on employment trends that can inform services, and work with the company’s leadership to develop and locate funding sources to assist program development for people seeking Competitive Integrated Employment.
• In coordination with Community Partnership Coordinators, engage with community employers to build relationships that could lead to employment opportunities for people in services. Provide information to community employers regarding the benefits of employing people with Developmental Disabilities. • Engage with Community Employers to coordinate working interviews, informational interviews, and other activities that promote employment exposure to people served by Opp. Inc. • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Business or related field preferred. Experience working in the I/DD field will be considered in lieu of a degree. •

Creativity related to implementation of services.

Comfortable providing “classroom” and site-based training.

Knowledge regarding the system of supports and Waiver services offered through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

Self-Starter with a proven track record taking initiative to complete tasks. • The ability to manage multiple priorities in an effective manner.

Strong organization and time management skills.

Works well within diverse populations building appropriate rapport, while demonstrating cultural competence.

Ability to build and maintain employer networks.

Effective and strong communication and interpersonal skills • Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite. • Prior experience working in LTSS and iCareManager preferred.

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in employment services.

Understanding of, and ability to share, information regarding activities and resources in Montgomery County and/or Prince George’s County

Additional Information: 

UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A LIE DETECTOR OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.”

Opportunities- Inc complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@opportunities-inc.com