Community Employment Specialist

Community Employment Specialist

Person County Government is seeking a dedicated and motivated Community Employment Specialist to join the team at Person Industries. This role is ideal for someone passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful, sustainable employment.

The Community Employment Specialist provides individualized, person-centered employment services designed to help participants prepare for, secure, and maintain competitive employment in the community. This position plays a vital role in promoting independence, confidence, and long-term success for the individuals served.

The starting salary will be determined with consideration given to both the candidate's educational background and relevant work experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record per County policy.

This is a non-exempt position working 40 hours weekly/2080 hours annually. The schedule is flexible, requiring some nights and weekends, depending on job placements.

Essential Functions

• Conduct vocational assessments to identify participant strengths, interests, skills, and support needs
• Implement person-centered employment plans
• Provide job readiness training, including workplace behavior, communication, and self-advocacy
• Assist participants with job search activities, applications, and interviews
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to create customized employment opportunities
• Provide on-site job coaching, task training, and fading of supports to promote independence
• Support participants with workplace accommodations and assistive strategies
• Monitor job performance and address workplace challenges proactively
• Collaborate with employers, families, therapists, and service providers
• Provide follow-along and retention services to ensure long-term employment success
• Maintain accurate case notes, service logs, and required documentation in compliance with regulatory standards
• Coordinate services with employers, families, and community partners
• Support job retention
• Performs related work as assigned
• Travel to job sites and community locations

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience working with persons with disabilities or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Ability to obtain and maintain physical crisis prevention intervention certifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Person County conducts pre-employment screening on candidates. Job offers are conditional pending the following:

• A pre-employment drug screen for all candidates. Positions designated by Person County as Safety Sensitive are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• A background check for all candidates. Some positions also require a credit check.
• Additional screening and testing required for some positions.
• Within 3 days of the start of your employment with the County, you must be able to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the US.

Person County Government is an Equal Opportunity/E-Verify Employer