Community Placement Specialist

The Kennedy Collective•Trumbull, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals’ development, well-being, and growth. Job purpose: The Community Placement Specialist advances employment outcomes by building strong employer partnerships and connecting individuals to meaningful career opportunities. This role focuses on career planning, employability assessment, job development, job placement, and on-the-job training. Through extensive networking and community engagement, the specialist supports individuals along a structured employment pathway toward long-term career success.

Requirements

High School Diploma. Bachelor’s Degree in one of the behavioral sciences preferred.
Demonstrated experience in networking, marketing, and/or community business development.
Demonstrated experience in supporting people with disabilities in employment, preferred.
May be required to communicate in another language and understand another culture i.e., Spanish, sign language.
Valid Driver’s License and must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
You are required to be in possession of a car on site during your entire shift to transport yourself and/or individuals to community sites in all weather conditions and throughout all neighborhoods.
Depending upon assignment, must be able to work in a variety of settings, weather conditions and locations.
Must maintain PMT and CPR Aid certification.
Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.
Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Communicate clearly in oral and written form on a constant basis.
Work independently, utilize good judgment, and possess a strong sense of initiative.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in one of the behavioral sciences preferred.
Demonstrated experience in supporting people with disabilities in employment, preferred.
May be required to communicate in another language and understand another culture i.e., Spanish, sign language.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive employability assessments and work evaluations to determine job readiness, skills, and career interests
Guide individuals through career exploration and planning aligned with strengths, preferences, and labor market opportunities
Develop individualized career pathways with clear goals, milestones, and advancement strategies
Apply vocational rehabilitation principles to address barriers and support career progression
Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with local employers, industry partners, and community organizations
Actively network in the community to identify workforce needs and create employment opportunities
Market candidates effectively by aligning their strengths and skills with employer demand
Develop customized job opportunities and negotiate placements that support long-term success
Maintain an active presence in business and community networks to expand opportunity pipelines
Facilitate job placement including interview preparation, hiring coordination, and onboarding support
Provide hands-on, on-the-job training to ensure individuals gain the skills needed for success
Deliver job coaching and performance support in real work environments
Monitor progress and provide ongoing retention support, focusing on career growth and stability
Address workplace challenges proactively to support long-term employment outcomes
Build partnerships with workforce systems, vocational rehabilitation entities, and community-based organizations
Stay informed on labor market trends, high-demand industries, and emerging opportunities
Align placement strategies with regional workforce needs and economic conditions
Maintain accurate and timely documentation including service notes, work evaluations, and employment outcomes
Complete required reporting in accordance with funding, regulatory, and organizational standards
Track and contribute to key performance indicators including placements, retention, and employer engagement
Thrive in a highly external, community-based role centered on relationship building and networking
Operate independently while managing multiple employer relationships and participant caseloads
Make sound decisions within established program guidelines and compliance standards
Balance field-based work, service delivery, and documentation requirements effectively