DDA - Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided opportunities to experience their communities through competitive and integrated employment, as well as meaningful engagement within their communities. This is accomplished by building relationships with individuals in our services, leading to discovering their interests, skills, and preferences for support. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our person-centered employment and community engagement services and the outcomes achieved from these services.

JOB SUMMARY:

The DDA - Employment Specialist (ES) reports directly to the Program Manager and is responsible for providing direct employment services to individuals funded through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The ES works collaboratively with people supported and their planning teams to develop and implement individualized, person-centered employment supports based on each individual’s interests, strengths, skills, and support needs.

The ES delivers DDA-funded employment services including Discovery, job development, job coaching, and follow-along supports. Services are provided in a variety of community settings such as individuals’ homes, community businesses, and employment sites. The ES builds strong relationships with individuals supported, families or legal guardians, coordinators of community services, and community employers to promote successful and sustainable competitive integrated employment outcomes.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Wage: $26.50 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Discovery (DDA Employment Services – Discovery)

• Conduct Discovery activities in accordance with DDA standards to identify individuals’ interests, strengths, skills, support needs, preferred work environments, and conditions for success.
• Use multiple Discovery methods, including community observations, interviews with the individual and their support network, activity-based assessments, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop a comprehensive Discovery Profile / Vocational Profile that accurately reflects findings and informs job development strategies.
• Share Discovery outcomes with the PCP team to support employment-related goals and strategies within the Person-Centered Plan.

Job Development (DDA Employment Services – Job Development)

• Use Discovery outcomes to lead individualized, employer-focused job development efforts aligned with each person’s informed choice.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community businesses to identify and negotiate competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Coordinate and facilitate informational interviews, situational assessments, job shadowing, and job tryouts consistent with DDA service expectations.
• Negotiate job duties, schedules, and supports—including customized employment arrangements—when appropriate.
• Support individuals with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and employer communication.

Job Coaching (DDA Employment Services – Job Coaching)

• Provide onsite job coaching and training following successful job placement, using systematic instruction and other evidence-based strategies.
• Assist individuals in learning job tasks, workplace routines, social expectations, and employer-specific policies.
• Monitor job performance, provide constructive feedback, and adjust supports to promote skill development and independence.
• Coordinate with employers to address workplace needs while supporting employment retention and satisfaction.

Follow-Along/Ongoing Employment Supports

• Provide ongoing follow‑along supports to individuals who are stable in their jobs to ensure continued success and employment retention.
• Maintain regular contact with individuals and employers to identify concerns early and support long-term employment outcomes.
• Develop and implement fade plans to reduce onsite supports as individuals increase independence, in collaboration with the Program Manager and employer.
• Re-engage job coaching or job development activities as needed due to changes in employment status or support needs.

Travel Training and Independent Supports

• Provide or coordinate travel training to assist individuals in learning safe and independent transportation to and from employment sites.
• Support individuals in developing schedules, routines, and problem-solving skills related to employment participation.

Documentation, Compliance, and Coordination

• Complete all required DDA documentation accurately and within required timelines, including daily service notes, attendance records, employment outcomes, and progress toward PCP employment goals.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic records (e.g., iCare Manager) in compliance with DDA and Opportunities, Inc. requirements.
• Communicate regularly with Program Manager, service coordinators, PCP team members, families or guardians, and employers regarding employment progress and concerns.
• Attend PCP meetings, internal staff meetings, and external stakeholder meetings as required.
• Maintain compliance with all required certifications, trainings, and quality assurance standards related to DDA Employment Services.

Additional Duties

• Participate in outreach efforts to grow the base of people supported through DDA Employment Services funding. This includes attending TY fairs and intakes with Community Engagement Specialists to describe and market Opportunities Inc.’s Employment Services.
• Assist Program as needed, and when appropriate, with community life engagement programming through the delivery of CDS, or Day Habilitation services.

EXPECTATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:

• Creative, flexible, and detailed-oriented
• Ability to work autonomously in the field, while ensuring teams are kept up to date on progress.
• Completion of Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) supported or customized employment certificate program, and/or the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) exam.
• Proven initiative and self-starter attributes
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based around the needs of people supported
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities at the same time
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a high-energy environment
• Relates well to diverse populations; builds appropriate rapport
• Strong technical knowledge, including experience with the Microsoft Office suite

QUALIFICATIONS :

• High School Diploma or GED required, associate degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 year of experience providing employment services to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Abreast with Montgomery County and/or Prince George’s County activities and resources
• Certified Employment Support Professional credential, or ability to obtain certification within first year of employment.
• A valid driver's license, a clean driving record, reliable transportation, and be willing to drive company vehicles

Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm