Employee Support Specialist - Portland Metro - Relay Resources

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More about us

Relay Resources is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, OR, that employs more than 700 people, the majority of whom are people with disabilities. We cultivate meaningful work through services we provide to business and government customers, which include janitorial, landscaping, document services, and supply chain solutions. We also own and manage more than 900 units of affordable housing. We create value for our community by delivering quality services to our customers, good jobs to our employees, and affordable homes to our residents.

Equal Opportunity

Relay Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome everyone to our team/to apply. We are committed to a people-first, inclusive culture that benefits our employees, customers, and residents. Relay encourages a diversity of applicants of all backgrounds and identities including disability, race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, parental status, age, and individuals with a Preferred Worker Card. Let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, or to perform the job you are applying for.

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Our mission is to cultivate meaningful work for people with disabilities . We encourage people with a disability and/or a Preferred Worker Card to apply.

The Employee Support Specialist manages an assigned caseload of employees with a wide range of disabilities to ensure employees are provided appropriate support to allow them to perform their work successfully. This person is responsible for identifying, developing, coordinating and providing employee supports, including communication supports to supervisors and managers. This person also supports the success of state and federal audits by preparing and maintaining appropriate documentation to ensure compliance. Driving, presence at worksites and flexible hours are essential functions of this role.

Available Schedules/Locations:

• Portland Metro sites: M-F 3-11:30P with flexibility on hours; occasional weekend hours required

• Provide case management support to employees with disabilities to ensure disability qualifications through state and federal programs that align with Relay's mission
• Understand employee roles to identify, coordinate and provide informed, creative and meaningful support plans for employees to aid in their professional success
• Collaborate with Workforce Trainers, Supervisors, Managers and other cross-functional team members on support plans
• Conduct in-person, on-the-job coaching when requested by employees, supervisors and/or managers that benefit an employee's ability to be successful on the job
• Encourage and motivate employees
• Direct employees to appropriate community resources including, but not limited to, food, housing, and utility supports
• Connect employees with internal resources including People Practices, Benefits, Payroll, etc. and provide advocacy to ensure employees understand resources available
• Act as an advocate and consultant when Employee Relations issues and other matters arise with employees
• Prepare and maintain employee records and documentation related to individualized support plans, coping strategies, and check-ins.
• Maintain required documentation for each employee on caseload including, but not limited to, Federal AbilityOne reports, Oregon Forward reports and other compliance programs
• Review and assess new disability documents for applicants and current employees to ensure qualification under state and federal programs
• Connect with physicians, mental health provides, state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, and Veterans Affairs offices to assist employees with obtaining qualifying state and federal documentation
• Assist in AbilityOne and Oregon Forward audit preparation and audit reviews to ensure organizational compliance
• Promote Relay Resources mission and educate employees, supervisors and managers on disability awareness
• Maintain knowledge of disability related topics and trends including attending trainings through SourceAmerica, JAN, WISE, APSE, etc to ensure well-rounded and up-to-date information on each topic

• You have experience supporting people with disabilities in a case management style
• You have lived or work experience with a variety of people who have a disability
• You have experience using a case management system like SetWorks
• You understand Oregon Forward and AbilityOne programs; if you don't, you like to learn about state and federal policies that impact people with disabilities
• You love flexibility and prefer it to routines!
• You love meeting new people and visiting new sites
• You like to be a creative problem solver and you know how to help people do their best
• You're great with Microsoft Office products including email and Teams
• You are bilingual (ASL or Spanish preferred, any language helpful!)
• You have an active driver's license and a clean driving record
• You are willing to get background clearances for all government customer sites

• Bachelor's degree in social services or related field, or a minimum of 2-3 years working with people with disabilities preferred
• Experience with case management software
• Experience with computers and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook and Teams preferred
• Valid driver's license, reliable automobile, a safe driving record and insurance coverage
• Ability to pass multiple background checks and/or fingerprinting as appropriate at any time during employment
• Bilingual, multi-lingual (ASL included)
• Interpersonal skills required
• Commitment to working with people with disabilities
• Able to communicate effectively and respectfully with a diverse population
• Ability to work independently and as a team member