Community Employment Manager, Joseph Koenig Sr., Training Center

Make an Impact: Community Employment Manager

Organization: Shore Community Services, Inc.

Location: Skokie, IL & Surrounding Communities (Local travel required; mileage reimbursed)

Reports To: Chief Program Officer

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

$65,000-$68,000

About the Role

Are you a results-driven workforce development leader passionate about creating competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

As our Community Employment Manager , you will drive program growth, forge strong business partnerships, oversee state contracts, and directly empower both job seekers and your team to achieve meaningful long-term employment outcomes. You will lead program intake, maintain a streamlined direct caseload, manage state contract compliance (IDHS-DRS and DDD), and supervise dedicated Employment Specialists.

Why Join Shore Community Services?

• Purpose-Driven Mission: Direct and shape programs that transform lives through meaningful community inclusion and employment.
• Leadership & Strategy: Combine hands-on client advocacy with high-level program administration, contract management, and team leadership.
• Collaborative Culture: Work directly with executive leadership, local employers, school transition programs, and state partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Growth: Drive annual placement and referral goals, track contract utilization, and expand employer partnerships across the community.
• Intake & Caseload Management: Own program intake and assessments (DRS Assessments & IPPs) while actively guiding a focused caseload through job readiness, placement, and retention support.
• Team Supervision: Mentor, schedule, and supervise Employment Specialists, leading weekly team strategy meetings and onboarding team members.
• Contract & Quality Administration: Manage IDHS-DRS Milestone, SEP, and DDD 36U contract structures, ensuring compliance, timely monthly billing, and audit readiness (CARF/DRS).

Qualifications We Are Looking For

Required:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, human services, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience), plus 3 to 5 years of experience in supported employment, job development, or vocational rehabilitation working with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated history of successful competitive integrated placements and retention outcomes (a placement summary with professional references will be requested).
• Compliance & DSP Status: Ability to meet and maintain Illinois DHS/DDD Direct Support Person (DSP) requirements for 36U delivery/billing.
• Mobility & Transportation: Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle for daily local travel to employer sites and meetings and required liability insurance.

Preferred:

• Supervisory Experience: 2+ years supervising workforce or employment services staff.
• Contract Expertise: Hands-on experience with IDHS-DRS Milestone/SEP contracts and DDD Supported Employment (36U) billing.

Shore Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.