Education and Employment Specialist

Brightli • Hannibal, MO

1d

About The Position

The Employment Specialist plays a key role in helping individuals achieve meaningful and sustainable employment. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting all phases of vocational services, including individualized career planning, job placement, and long‑term retention. Employment Specialists actively build relationships with employers, promote services in the community, and advocate for clients to ensure successful employment outcomes. They maintain expert knowledge of the local labor market, identify job opportunities, and collaborate closely with clients, employers, and referral sources throughout the employment process.

Requirements

• Understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, or independent living.
• Knowledge of case management principles, rehabilitation practices, and vocational support strategies.
• Familiarity with challenges faced by individuals with mental health or substance use disorders and available community resources.
• Awareness of legal requirements, treatment modalities, and court procedures related to mental health and substance use services.
• Ability to evaluate program services and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for producing clear, accurate documentation.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet‑based platforms.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of experience delivering employment or vocational support services.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Treat all clients, stakeholders, referral sources, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all CARF, agency, and contractual standards.
• Review and compile vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to support individualized career planning.
• Conduct client orientations, explaining services, rights, responsibilities, and disclosure.
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, abilities, preferences, and employment goals through interviews, counseling, and community‑based activities.
• Provide ongoing benefits planning at the start of services, prior to job placement, and when employment circumstances change.
• Teach, coach, and reinforce job‑seeking and job‑retention skills.
• Develop strong employer relationships and promote the benefits of inclusive hiring.
• Identify and cultivate competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Educate employers on accommodations such as assistive technology, job carving, and workplace adaptations.
• Represent the program professionally at community events, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Advocate for clients in coordination with employers, families, schools, and community partners.
• Participate in team and planning meetings focused on shared decision-making for client employment goals.
• Maintain regular communication with referral sources regarding shared clients and new referrals.
• Track and report job development activities, employment outcomes, and retention updates to leadership.
• Respond to workplace crises involving clients, providing on‑site or off-site support as needed.
• Travel extensively for job development, employer engagement, and client support (including transporting clients when appropriate).

Benefits

• 29 days of PTO
• HRSA Loan Repayment Eligibility
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance & more
• 403(b) Match – up to 5% for both part-time and full-time employees
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Emergency Medical Leave Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent care
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Program
• Mileage Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED