CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Apis Services Inc•Willingboro Township, NJ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Career Development Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful, competitive employment opportunities within their communities. This position provides career assessment, job development, job coaching, employer engagement, advocacy, and ongoing employment supports to ensure successful job placement and long-term employment retention. The Career Development Specialist works collaboratively with individuals served, families, employers, community partners, and service providers to remove barriers to employment, foster workplace inclusion, and promote independence, self-sufficiency, and career success. This role serves as an ambassador for inclusive employment practices and supports the mission of empowering individuals to achieve their vocational goals and highest level of independence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business, or a related field.
Valid non-provisional driver's license required.
Reliable personal vehicle with state-required liability insurance.
Ability to meet employment screening and background clearance requirements, including FBI clearance if applicable.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent customer service abilities.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong advocacy and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, employers, and community partners.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
Basic computer, internet, email, and data entry skills.
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Current vehicle registration and insurance.
Reliable personal transportation for travel throughout the service area.
Telephone
Cellular phone
Computer
Copier
Fax machine
Calculator
Standard office equipment
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Teams
Electronic documentation systems
Employment tracking systems
Agency-specific software applications
Sitting, standing, walking, and driving for extended periods.
Traveling to employment sites, community locations, offices, and employer meetings.
Reaching, bending, lifting, stooping, and climbing stairs as required.
Accompanying participants to employment and community-based activities.
Conducting workplace assessments and job site visits.
Ability to occasionally lift, move, or carry up to 50 pounds.
Community employment sites.
Business and employer locations.
Community-based settings.
Office environments.
Multiple locations throughout New Jersey.
Indoor and outdoor environments.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Right-To-Know
HIPAA
Community Safety Practices
Fire and Safety Regulations
Workplace Safety Procedures

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experience in vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, supported employment, workforce development, or disability services.
Experience working directly with employers and community organizations.
CPR and First Aid certification preferred or required based on program needs.

Responsibilities

Assesses the interests, abilities, strengths, skills, and vocational goals of individuals served.
Identifies employment opportunities that align with participant skills, abilities, and career interests.
Assists individuals in exploring career pathways and employment options.
Conducts vocational assessments and employment readiness activities.
Participates in the development and implementation of Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs) and employment goals.
Attends and participates in annual IHP meetings and other person-centered planning activities.
Develops and maintains a network of employment opportunities within the business community.
Cultivates relationships with employers and community organizations to expand employment opportunities.
Matches individuals to competitive employment opportunities based on individual strengths and preferences.
Coordinates job placement activities and employment onboarding processes.
Arranges worksite tours, employer introductions, and informational interviews.
Assists individuals throughout the job application and interview process.
Supports completion of all required employment-related documentation prior to job placement.
Conducts employer outreach and presentations to promote inclusive hiring practices.
Provides on-the-job training and coaching as needed.
Assists individuals in developing workplace skills, professionalism, and job retention strategies.
Monitors employment progress and workplace performance.
Provides follow-up support, retraining, and workplace accommodations when necessary.
Assists with job retention and career advancement strategies.
Identifies and resolves workplace barriers that may impact employment success.
Coordinates re-placement efforts if employment goals or situations change.
Serves as an advocate for individuals with employers, supervisors, coworkers, and community partners.
Promotes workplace inclusion and disability awareness.
Educates employers regarding accommodations, support strategies, and inclusive employment practices.
Supports individuals in developing workplace communication and self-advocacy skills.
Strengthens natural workplace supports and community connections.
Acts as a liaison between individuals served, employers, families, and service providers.
Evaluates transportation needs related to employment and community participation.
Coordinates transportation resources and services.
Provides travel training and community navigation instruction when necessary.
Assists individuals in developing independent transportation skills.
Maintains accurate participant records and employment documentation.
Completes reports, case notes, service documentation, and required data collection activities.
Tracks employment outcomes, progress, and performance measures.
Maintains compliance with organizational, funding, and regulatory requirements.
Completes timesheets, expense reports, and required personnel documentation.
Documents time worked accurately.
Represents the organization professionally at employer, community, and stakeholder meetings.
Maintains positive working relationships with individuals served, families, employers, community providers, and referral sources.
Promotes the mission, values, and goals of Advancing Opportunities and Apis Services.
Supports program growth and community outreach initiatives.
Assists with special projects and departmental initiatives.
Functions as a liaison to other organizational programs and services.
Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.
Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
Observe all HIPAA Policies and maintain confidentiality.
Attend all required trainings and meetings.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
Demonstrate compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements.
Support the values and mission of Advancing Opportunities, Apis Services, and Inperium.
Document time worked accurately.