Lead Employment Specialist

Hourly Rate: $21.42/hour
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: 37.5 Hours per Week
Location: Westmoreland and Indiana Counties
Schedule: Flexibility required, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays

Make a Meaningful Impact
Are you a mission-driven individual looking for a career that makes a difference in someone's life? Achieva is seeking a dynamic and innovative professional to serve as a Lead Employment Specialist within our Competitive-Integrated Employment (CIE) program.
At Achieva, we believe employment is a cornerstone of living a life of personal significance. We support individuals with disabilities in finding meaningful employment opportunities, building independence, and achieving their personal goals. If you have a passion for supporting people with disabilities, developing community partnerships, and promoting inclusive employment opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

About Achieva
For over 70 years, Achieva has advocated with, empowered, and supported people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. We envision a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.
Achieva’s Employment Supports Department matches workers with disabilities to gainful employment opportunities that correspond with their skills and interests, establishes relationships with businesses to help them become more inclusive employers, and actively seeks to expand the impact of employment services.

Position Summary
The Lead Employment Specialist oversees, trains, and assists individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive-integrated employment. This position is responsible for identifying and cultivating community-based employment opportunities, building relationships with businesses, and supporting Employment Specialists in maintaining quality services and employment outcomes.
The Lead Employment Specialist reports to the Competitive-Integrated Employment (CIE) Manager and works closely with the Competitive-Integrated Employment leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate intake meetings, team meetings, and service coordination meetings.
• Facilitate job trials and work assessments to evaluate job seeker interests and skills.
• Assist job seekers with securing and maintaining meaningful, competitive-integrated employment.
• Provide guidance and support during onboarding, job-specific training, and performance management.
• Provide on-site job coaching and workplace integration support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers and business partners.
• Promote inclusive hiring practices and sustainable employment opportunities.
• Train and mentor new support staff.
• Assist Employment Specialists in maintaining quality standards and achieving employment goals.
• Monitor service utilization, billable hours, and progress toward program targets.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete Quarterly Progress Notes.
• Participate in quality assurance activities.
• Represent Achieva in collaborative meetings with stakeholders.
• Manage staff coverage needs, including providing direct support during planned or emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Equivalent of an Associate’s Degree in Social Science or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in employment or related settings.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in job coaching and performance evaluation.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Computer proficiency for documentation and communication.
• Must meet Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearance requirements.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and insured personal vehicle required.
• Ability to obtain the ACRE Certificate of Achievement (Basic or Professional) within six months of employment.

Why Join Achieva?

• Meaningful Work: Directly contribute to the lives of people with disabilities.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a values-driven, supportive team.

Benefits Include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low employee contributions.
• Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions after one year.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays to support work-life balance.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. To request an accommodation, contact Human Resources at 412-995-5000 ext 650 or [email protected].