Supported Employment Specialist (54847)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Employment Specialist provides person-centered employment services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI) to help them obtain and maintain competitive community employment. This position develops employer relationships, provides job development and coaching, coordinates with treatment and support teams, and ensures services comply with agency policies and funding requirements while promoting successful employment outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide individualized employment services, including vocational assessment, job development, job placement, job coaching, and employment retention services.
• Assist individuals in identifying employment goals, strengths, interests, and support needs using a person-centered approach.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community employers, referral sources, and community partners to expand employment opportunities.
• Provide individualized support before, during, and after employment to assist individuals in achieving long-term job success.
• Monitor employment progress and coordinate services with treatment teams, case managers, families, employers, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Assist individuals with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, workplace communication, and employment-related skills.
• Complete all required documentation, progress notes, service records, billing documentation, and reports accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies, funding source requirements, confidentiality standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, quality improvement activities, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in a human services-related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, behavioral health needs, vocational services, or community support programs preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with participants, families, employers, referral sources, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, maintain accurate documentation, and effectively manage time.
• Basic computer skills and ability to utilize electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/EXPECTATIONS:

• Ability to frequently travel throughout the service area to participant homes, businesses, community locations, and employer worksites.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain active automobile insurance that meets agency requirements, and safely operate a motor vehicle. Transportation of participants may be required based on program needs and agency policy.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds while working in office, community, business, and employment settings.
• Maintain flexibility to accommodate participant schedules, employer needs, and occasional evening or adjusted work hours when necessary.
• Successfully complete required agency training, maintain required certifications, and comply with all agency policies and procedures.

CORE VALUES:

All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.

• Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical, and legal standards. Doing the right thing—even when no one else is looking.
• Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.
• Trust/Respect – Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.
• Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern, and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
• Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one's work, actions, and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.