Community Employment Specialist - Team Leader

Community Employment Support Professional – Team Leader This is a full‑time position (40+ hours per week) directly responsible to the Quality Assurance & Safety Specialist. The role involves completing Community Employment–related duties such as Career Exploration, Job Development, Job Shadows, Job Coaching, and Workplace Readiness Assessments, while acting as the Team Leader for all staff in the Community Employment Department. Responsibilities Provide Career Exploration activities to individuals of all ages and meet with them and their families/guardians to discuss supported employment and employment goals. Develop formalized career plans using discovery techniques, business tours, job shadowing, informational interviews, work site assessments, and other exploration activities. Coach individuals on soft skills, including interviewing, mock interviews, coworker relations, supervisor communication, and customer service skills. Improve financial literacy and document daily performance, keeping charts and reports up to date and submitting data to the supervisor. Develop relationships with local businesses and industry to broaden career options, ensuring employers allow staff and clients to observe and interact with employees. Manage transportation for individuals receiving Career Exploration services when needed. Implement marketing strategies for Community‑Based Employment services and complete job development based on inclusion, wages, benefits, consumer choice, and employer needs. Maintain regular contact with community employers, oversee placement forms and documentation, and coordinate job coaching for placed individuals. Coordinate with agency Program Coordinators and outside professionals (Community Case Managers, IVRS Counselors, School Personnel, etc.) to provide any additional services required by consumers. Act as liaison with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Medicaid Case Managers, HHS Social Workers, and local school systems to coordinate referrals. Maintain CARF accreditation and all records/documents using proper forms and procedures. Assess individuals for Workplace Readiness Assessment (WRA), develop assessment sites, provide supervision, submit timesheets, complete required forms, and report findings with support recommendations. Provide direct training and support to individuals during job site visits, implement goals and instructional activities, and document performance daily. Assist employers in resolving employment issues, encourage direct problem‑solving between employers and individuals, and participate in performance evaluations. Lead staff meetings, supervise Community Employment Services Staff, conduct performance evaluations, hire or terminate staff as necessary, and assist with marketing and public relations activities. Schedule and facilitate planning meetings for enrollment, complete intake paperwork, coordinate implementation of services, ensure funding approvals, and manage completion of drills and reporting requirements. Track client wages, hours, and quarterly data; manage billing and quality indicators biannually or as requested. Essential Functions Provide quality services meeting agency standards for Career Exploration, Job Development, Job Shadows, Job Coaching, and Workplace Readiness Assessments. Maintain a supportive and therapeutic atmosphere for all clients and exhibit competent verbal and written communication skills. Commute to various locations, represent the agency professionally, and advocate for individuals with disabilities to employers. Work flexible hours (early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays) and possess leadership and supervisory skills to lead the department. Complete required paperwork, certification training from Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and electronic documentation. Adhere to state and federal regulations regarding HIPAA and maintain required security clearance levels for PHI access. Qualifications / Requirements Bachelor’s degree in human services, marketing, or equivalent experience. Five years of experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred). Previous supervisory experience (preferred). Maintain insurability with agency vehicle insurance carrier. Strong leadership skills, good verbal and written communication, and the ability to work well in a team. Valid Iowa chauffeur’s license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to drive up to 70 miles for client transport. Good judgment, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to handle immediate decision‑making situations. Must not have any legal convictions of assault, abuse, or bodily injury. Professional personal image and attitude to represent the agency. Organized, flexible with schedule, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Strong observation skills for task analysis and vocational assessments. Successfully complete the state‑required CESP exam and maintain Certified Employment Support Professional certification. Eligible to work without health conditions that would impair job performance, such as serious infectious or communicable diseases. Physical Requirements Travel up to 70 miles between locations. Navigate facilities that may have accessibility limitations. Carry necessary paperwork and supplies during duties. Provide physical care when necessary, including assisting clients to regain balance or transfer from sitting, standing, or prone positions. This position is open for application. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for inquiries. (No EEO statement is provided in the original description.) #J-18808-Ljbffr Nishna Productions, Inc.