OCB Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

*THIS POSITION IS BASED IN THE EUGENE/ROSEBURG OREGON AREA BUT MAY REQUIRE TRAVEL AT TIMES*

Company Overview

Trellis LLC is focused on transforming lives by empowering individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment and fully integrate into their communities. We believe in building inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, reflecting our commitment to support each person's unique strengths.

Summary

A successful candidate will provide career exploration, job development, and job placement services to individuals that are clients 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 OCB and local employers in order 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 services.
• Review and evaluate new client paperwork and assess 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 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 OCB office at least one day per week
• Submit at least 10 job applications per client per month

OCB Employment Services:

• Match OCB clients and employers using a variety of professional job placement skills.
• Conduct labor market analysis for OCB 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, 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 Client specific Job Coaching as needed
• Coordinate a cohesive transition when Trellis OCB Support is no longer needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Align with Trellis’ OCB Program core values, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure all OCB reports and presentations are clear and professional.
• Maintain OCB specific competencies through training and continuing education.
• Communicate positively with all OCB 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)
• 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 client
• Travel/mobility skill integration with client
• Integration with OCB Community with client
• Attend classes, trainings, and workshops as assigned individually and/or with 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 and OCB with professionalism, empathy, and advocacy
• Perform other duties as requested/assigned even if not OCB related

Administrative Responsibilities

OCB 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
• Complete all OCB 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 Report
• Attend as Trellis Representative all OCB events as assigned by Management including OCB Jobsville meeting
• 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
• 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 Eugene/Roseburg area and beyond (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

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

Work Location: Hybrid. The majority of work is performed from your personal/home office, in the community, or at the client job site, with some work in the OCB office, or Trellis Office.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply for the Program Specialist position at Trellis Inc. Join us in our mission to create inclusive communities where everyone can succeed!