Community Employment Specialist

Join Our Award-Winning TeamWe have been selected as one of The Washington Post's 2025 Top Workplaces, a recognition based entirely on feedback from our team members. This award reflects our deep commitment to cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment where employees feel valued and empowered.As we continue to grow, we are seeking qualified and motivated professionals to join our award-winning team and help us build on this exciting momentum.For a limited time, all new hires are eligible for the benchmark incentive payments totaling up to $1000.00!! More information is on our Employee Benefits page on our website. Come join us and find out what it's all about!Community Employment SpecialistUnder the supervision of the Director of Employment & Meaningful Day Services (E&MD), the Community Employment Specialist is responsible for the procurement and/or development of employment opportunities for people supported, with an emphasis on customized employment. This position will work in conjunction with other employment staff to ensure the smooth start-up of new sites and ongoing support of existing sites.Work PerformedWill promote and foster the strategic plan through workforce development activities. Typical duties include:Explaining the concept of inclusion to employment/volunteer contacts.Facilitating inclusive work/volunteer environments for people supported.Will act as the primary liaison to the E&MD management team regarding the status/progress of workforce development activities. Typical duties include:Working cooperatively with Team Coordinators regarding employment opportunities and identification of people supported.Keeping Team Coordinators, Assistant Directors and Division Director informed of progress at new and existing sites.Will utilize discovery and customized employment strategies to create career plans for an identified group of people supported.Is responsible for procurement and development of contract and direct hire positions for groups and individuals. Typical duties include:Oversight of start-up of community-based paid and volunteer enclaves/mobile crews.Ensuring efficient and effective completion of the scope of work during the start-up period.Ensuring smooth transition of authority to the Team Coordinator and Job Coach and/or Direct Support Professional.Following up with the employer to ensure satisfactory performance.Is responsible for cost analysis and proposal preparation in the contract development and negotiation process. Typical Duties include:Determining costs associated with the salaries of people supported, materials/equipment and transportation.Developing proposals for potential employers.Developing contracts/agreements once proposals have been accepted.Working with identified staff, will assist with the transition of group employment workers to competitive individual employment.Is responsible for public relations/communications with community and business organizations and individuals concerning E&MD employment services. Typical Duties include:Participating in local and state-wide committees, task force, chamber events.Developing partnerships with businesses and programs to facilitate employment.Participating in internal agency committees (i.e., Crew Development).Following agency established communication policies and procedures and consulting with the Senior Manager for Communications as appropriate.Will stay current with all labor laws and employer incentives pertaining to workers with disabilities.Will complete DORS documentation, as needed, including but not limited to applications and progress reports.Other duties as assigned.QualificationsBachelor's degree in a relevant field plus 3 years of relevant professional experience; or Associate's degree in a relevant field plus 5 years of relevant professional experience; or high school diploma plus 7 years of relevant professional experience.Must possess a valid driver's license.Must have the ability to transport the people supported in personal or agency vehicle.Must be available to work outside of regular business hours with advance notice.Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.Must have an ACRE certification or the ability to obtain ACRE certification within the first 6 months of employment.Must be able to effectively communicate in written and spoken English.EOE M/F/Vet/Disabled