OCB Program Specialist

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 Portland Metro / Salem 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 Relocate (if necessary) : Portland, OR : Relocate before starting work (Required)

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

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!

Application Question(s) :

Will you be able to reliably commute to anywhere in the Portland Metro Area?

Are you willing to submit to a criminal background check?

License / Certification :

Driver's License (Required)

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance