Employment Specialist

Company Description The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) is a collaborative network of providers, partners, and families dedicated to supporting children and individuals with developmental needs. Located in the upstate of South Carolina, CDS brings multiple medical and support services together under one roof to make care more accessible and coordinated. Partner agencies, including Clarity, Prisma Health - Upstate Children’s Hospital, KidVentures of Thrive Upstate, and a Medical-Legal Partnership, collectively serve more than 8,000 children and families each year. As the only center of its kind in the nation, CDS offers an integrated model that benefits partner agencies, staff, families, and the broader community. Its mission is to make caring for children with delays and disabilities easier and more effective by linking services in a single location. Role Description Position Summary: The Employment Specialist provides one-on-one, ongoing support to individuals with disabilities to help them secure and maintain meaningful employment in integrated, competitive work settings. This role focuses on promoting independence, career growth, and workplace success through personalized, person-centered strategies. Responsibilities Conduct vocational discovery, assessments, and person-centered employment planning Assist with job development, job placement, and employer negotiation Perform job analysis and support job carving to match individual strengths Deliver on-the-job training, systematic instruction, and job coaching Develop and encourage natural workplace supports Identify and implement assistive technology and workplace accommodations Provide benefits counseling and career advancement support Coordinate transportation and other necessary workplace supports Offer ongoing support services to ensure long-term job success and community integration Education Requirements At least 18 years of age and have a valid high school diploma or its certified equivalent. Skills Requirements Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions in English, including healthcare-related information Strong written communication skills; able to write and type clearly and accurately to complete documentation and convey information Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and Outlook Ability to build relationships and network with local employers and community partners Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and ability backgrounds Experience supporting and interacting with individuals with disabilities preferred Ability to work independently while demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills Capable of managing multiple tasks, prioritizing workload, and meeting deadlines Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately Flexibility to work extended hours, varied schedules, and travel frequently to local sites Adaptability to dynamic work environments and changing client needs #J-18808-Ljbffr