Employment Services Manager

Job Location: PIONEER EAST - 41 - MCHENRY, IL 60050 PIONEER CENTER for Human Services Job Title: Employment Services Manager Department: IDDJob Status: Full TimeFLSA Status: ExemptReports To: Director of IDD OperationsGrade/Level: 8Amount of Travel Required: 40%Job Type: RegularPositions Supervised: Employment Specialists, Job CoachesWork Schedule: M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm (occasional evenings and weekends, as needed) Position Summary The Employment Services Manager or Manager of Employment and Community Integration provides strategic, operational, and compliance leadership to advance competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities across all Pioneer Center Pillars and appropriate programs. All services and decisions within this role are grounded in Employment First principles, which presume employability, prioritize competitive integrated work, and support individuals in pursuing meaningful career paths. Aligned with APSE values and competencies, this role ensures the implementation of evidence based supported employment, customized employment, and person-centered practices. The Employment Services Manager oversees employment specialists and job coaches, builds strong community and employer partnerships, collaborates with Behavioral Health and Homeless Services teams, and drives a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and community integration. Essential Functions Program Leadership & Employment First Implementation Develop, implement, and oversee employment programs that place competitive, integrated employment as the preferred and expected outcome for all individuals served. Integrate Employment First policies, state guidelines, and national best practices into operational procedures, staff training, and service delivery. Embed APSE core competencies into program standards, training expectations, and quality criteria. Monitor employment outcomes, including job placement, job retention, fading of support, and long term career advancement. Ensure adoption of Discovery, person centered vocational assessments, and Customized Employment for individuals requiring individualized employment pathways. Service Delivery Oversight Oversee Discovery processes, vocational assessments, job development, job matching, on the job training, and follow along services to ensure quality and consistency. Ensure job coaching and training promote independence, use of natural support and fading plans. Conduct routine reviews of daily documentation, progress notes, incident reports, and quality assurance records. Ensure individualized service plans (ISPs) and employment plans align with Employment First policies and participant goals. Integrated Coordination With Behavioral Health and Homeless Services Pillars Collaborate with Behavioral Health Services to deliver trauma informed job readiness assessments, vocational evaluations, and coordinated employment plans. Work with Homeless Services teams to engage individuals experiencing or exiting homelessness in employment pathways that support stability and long term self sufficiency. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to ensure employment goals support clinical goals, housing retention, wellness planning, and community reintegration. Ensure integrated service coordination for individuals with complex needs, reinforcing the Employment First principle that all individuals—regardless of barriers—can achieve competitive employment with appropriate support. Employer, Community & Interdepartmental Engagement Cultivate, expand, and maintain relationships with employers who support inclusive hiring. Provide employer guidance and training on disability inclusion, ADA requirements, and retention strategies. Represent the program in community coalitions, workforce boards, business networks, and APSE-affiliated events. Maintain strong partnerships with Behavioral Health, Housing/Homeless Services, community organizations, and internal departments to ensure holistic, coordinated care. Participate in cross department case staffing to align employment strategies with broader support and service plans. Compliance, Quality Assurance & Reporting Ensure full adherence with federal/state regulations, Medicaid waiver requirements, CARF standards, and internal policies. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic systems. Lead and support audits, accreditation processes, utilization reviews, and quality meetings. Produce program reports on performance indicators, service effectiveness, employer satisfaction, and compliance metrics. Support data collection for grant reports, contract compliance, and agency planning. Staff Supervision & Development Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate employment specialists and job coaches. Provide mentorship and professional development aligned with APSE-supported employment core competencies. Develop and maintain staffing schedules and on call rotation to ensure full program coverage. Foster an environment of inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Operational Coordination Assist with contract management, performance monitoring, and strategic planning. Establish necessary Dashboard to review and manage performance across key performance indicators. Support data collection necessary for contract negotiation, contract renewals, and operational efficiency improvements. Ensure alignment between program operations, funder expectations, and agency mission. Oversight of the Client Volunteer Training Program Design volunteer roles that intentionally build transferable skills aligned with Employment First goals. Ensure volunteers receive training, supervision, and support that promote confidence, independence, and skill mastery. Coordinate volunteer placement with internal departments, Behavioral Health, Homeless Services, and community partners. Monitor volunteer progress, provide ongoing coaching, and facilitate transitions from volunteer roles to paid employment. Ensure volunteer activities follow APSE guidance on ethical, non exploitative participation and do not replace paid employment. Collect and report outcome measures related to volunteer engagement and skill development. Review annually and/or update applicable policies and procedures for areas of oversight. Ensure staff are aware of and understand applicable Policies and Procedures. Follow HR policies and complete HR paperwork, contact HR with questions concerning others. Perform other related duties as assigned by Supervisor. Regular, reliable and predictable attendance. Qualifications Competency Statements Accountability & Dependability – Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieves results with little oversight. Adaptability and Flexibility – Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Confidentiality – Maintains strict confidentiality including, but not limited to financial and agency information pertaining to Pioneer stakeholders. Creative & Innovative Thinking – Develops fresh ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges. Decision Making & Judgment – Makes timely, informed decisions that consider facts, goals, constraints, and risks. Ethics & Integrity – Earns others' trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. Relationship Building – Builds constructive working relationships characterized by high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect. Builds and maintains client and customer satisfaction. Teamwork – Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables. Education – Bachelor’s degree in human services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Education, or related field; preferred. Experience – 5+ years in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation or disability employment services; 3+ years of staff supervisory experience. Knowledge of Employment First policies, supported employment best practices, and person-centered planning preferred. Computer Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, EHR/SmartCare, Paycom, Relias. Certifications & Licenses – CPR/AED Certification, Safety Care Certification, CESP or ACRE certification in Customized Employment. Other Requirements – Supervisory experience required. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet vehicle insurance limits ($50,000 bodily injury per person; $100,000 bodily injury per accident; $50,000 property damage). Physical Demands N (Not Applicable) O (Occasionally) – Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time. F (Frequently) – Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time. C (Constantly) – Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time. Lift/Carry – Stand – F Walk – F Sit – F Reach Above Shoulder – N Climb – N Crawl – N Squat or Kneel – N Bend – N Speak – F Push/Pull – (Not specified) Other Physical Requirements – Vision (Near), Sense of Sound – Ability to hear verbal communications. Work Environment Office setting with some CILA setting. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pioneer Center Group