Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description:Employment Specialist – Meaningful Day ProgramReports ToDirector/Program Manager, Meaningful DayEmployment StatusFull-TimeFLSA StatusNon-ExemptSalary: $22.50 / HourlyPosition SummaryThe Employment Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals with disabilities in identifying, pursuing, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment opportunities that align with their interests, abilities, strengths, and individualized goals.This position provides individualized employment support using a person-centered, strengths-based, and community-integrated approach. The Employment Specialist works closely with participants, families/support teams, employers, community partners, and League staff to develop employment opportunities that promote independence, self-sufficiency, confidence, and quality of life.The Employment Specialist serves as an advocate and employment resource for participants while helping employers understand the value of inclusive hiring and workplace supports.Core ValuesThe Employment Specialist is expected to demonstrate and promote The League's core values: Accountability Independence Mutual Respect Participant Focus QualityESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSParticipant Employment Services Provide individualized employment services based on each participant's interests, strengths, abilities, preferences, and employment goals. Assist participants in identifying realistic and meaningful career and employment opportunities. Support participants in developing employment goals and action plans consistent with their individualized service plans. Assist participants with job searches, applications, resumes, interview preparation, and other employment-readiness activities. Provide coaching and support during the employment process while promoting participant independence. Assist participants in developing appropriate workplace behaviors, communication skills, time-management skills, and problem-solving strategies. Provide on-the-job support and coaching when appropriate. Gradually reduce direct support when the participant demonstrates increased independence, while maintaining appropriate follow-up. Assist participants with maintaining employment and addressing workplace concerns. Promote competitive, integrated employment whenever appropriate and consistent with the participant's goals. Job Development & Employer Relations Establish and maintain professional relationships with local businesses, employers, workforce organizations, community agencies, and employment resources. Identify potential employment opportunities that match participant interests, abilities, and career goals. Conduct employer outreach and develop employment partnerships. Educate employers regarding inclusive employment practices and the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Assist with job matching and facilitate communication between participants and prospective employers. Coordinate interviews and employment-related meetings. Follow up with employers and participants regarding employment progress. Maintain professional relationships with employers while protecting participant confidentiality. Career Readiness & Skill Development Facilitate employment-readiness activities individually or in small groups. Assist participants with: Resume development Job applications Interview preparation Workplace communication Professional appearance and workplace expectations Time management Transportation planning Workplace problem-solving Appropriate workplace conduct Self-advocacy Help participants identify and build transferable workplace skills. Encourage participants to take an active role in their employment decisions and career development. Person-Centered Planning & Documentation Participate in participant planning meetings and contribute employment-related information and recommendations. Implement employment-related goals and strategies identified in the participant's plan. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation. Document participant progress, employment contacts, job development activities, job coaching, and follow-up services. Complete required reports, tracking documents, progress notes, and other program documentation. Maintain records in accordance with League policies, applicable regulations, funding requirements, and program standards. Protect confidential participant information and follow HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements. Community Integration Develop opportunities for participants to explore employment and career options within their communities. Coordinate community-based employment activities. Help participants learn how to independently navigate employment-related environments and resources. Promote inclusion, independence, self-determination, and meaningful participation in the community. Identify community resources that may assist participants with employment, transportation, education, training, or career advancement. Collaboration & Teamwork Work collaboratively with Meaningful Day staff, program leadership, families, support coordinators, employers, and other members of the participant's support team. Communicate participant progress, concerns, successes, and employment needs appropriately. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, case reviews, and other required meetings. Coordinate services to promote consistency across the participant's support team. Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate respectful communication with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners. Participant Advocacy Promote participant choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination. Encourage participants to advocate for themselves in employment settings. Assist participants in understanding workplace expectations and available supports. Help identify barriers to employment and develop practical strategies to address them. Advocate for reasonable workplace accommodations when requested or appropriate. Promote equal access to employment opportunities without discrimination. Compliance & Safety Follow all League policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Follow applicable DDA, Medicaid, program, employment-service, and funding requirements. Complete required training within established deadlines. Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards. Report safety concerns, incidents, suspected abuse/neglect, or other required matters according to League policy and applicable law. Maintain confidentiality of participant, employee, employer, and organizational information.QUALIFICATIONSRequired Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with individuals with disabilities, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, human services, or a related field preferred. Strong communication, interpersonal, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to build positive relationships with participants, employers, coworkers, and community partners. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and maintain professional boundaries. Basic computer skills and ability to learn electronic documentation and organizational systems. Commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence and meaningful employment.Preferred Qualifications Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Business, Workforce Development, or a related field. Experience with supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, workforce development, or community-based services. Knowledge of person-centered planning and employment services for individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with local workforce resources and community employers.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESThe successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to: Build trusting and respectful relationships with individuals with disabilities. Identify participant strengths, interests, abilities, and employment preferences. Communicate effectively with individuals with varying communication styles and support needs. Develop professional relationships with employers and community organizations. Advocate effectively while respecting participant choice and self-determination. Manage multiple participants, employer contacts, appointments, and deadlines. Maintain accurate and confidential records. Use technology and electronic systems for communication and documentation. Adapt communication and support strategies to individual needs. Respond appropriately to changing circumstances and workplace challenges. Maintain professionalism in community and employment settings. Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying abilities.PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENTThe Employment Specialist position involves a combination of office, community, and employment-site activities.Essential job functions may include: Sitting, standing, walking, and moving between office, community, and employment environments. Using a computer, telephone, mobile device, and other standard office equipment. Traveling to community businesses, participant employment sites, meetings, and other program-related locations. Communicating verbally and/or through other effective communication methods with participants, employers, coworkers, and community partners. Occasionally carrying or transporting program materials or supplies consistent with the requirements of the position.The League is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The physical and environmental requirements listed above describe the general nature of the work and are not intended to exclude qualified individuals who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.TRAVEL REQUIREMENTThis position requires regular travel within the community to support participants and develop employment opportunities.If driving is an essential function of the position, the employee must meet applicable League requirements for operating a vehicle on behalf of the organization.Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities where appropriate.SCHEDULEFull-TimeSchedule may vary based on participant needs, employer schedules, community activities, job-development responsibilities, and program requirements.Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required based on program or participant needs and will be communicated in advance whenever practicable.PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONSSuccess in this position is demonstrated by the ability to: Establish meaningful employment relationships with participants. Develop and maintain relationships with community employers. Identify employment opportunities aligned with participant goals. Support participants in obtaining and maintaining employment. Promote participant independence rather than unnecessary dependence on staff. Complete documentation accurately and on time. Maintain professional communication and boundaries. Demonstrate accountability and reliability. Follow League policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Contribute positively to the Meaningful Day team and the overall mission of The League.ADA & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENTThe League for People with Disabilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.The League is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities so they may perform the essential functions of their position. Applicants and employees may request reasonable accommodation through the appropriate Human Resources process.This job description identifies the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned based on organizational needs, participant needs, and applicable requirements.The League's CommitmentAt The League, we believe employment is an important pathway to independence, self-sufficiency, dignity, community inclusion, and an improved quality of life. The Employment Specialist plays a critical role in helping individuals discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and build meaningful connections within their communities.The goal is not simply to help someone find a job-it is to help each participant find meaningful work that reflects who they are, what they can do, and what they want for their future.