Employment/Housing Specialist

Allied Community Care•Prince George's or Montgomery County, MD

13d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Employment & Housing Specialist The hybrid Employment & Housing Specialist is a highly engaged, mission-driven role that provides one-on-one support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they navigate both employment and housing goals. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on meaningful connection, purposeful structure, and a mix of fieldwork and administrative responsibilities. The Specialist supports individuals in securing stable housing, developing job readiness skills, obtaining employment, and building long-term independence in their community. The ideal candidate is flexible, creative, organized, and deeply committed to empowering individuals to reach their unique personal, vocational, and housing goals. Overview The Employment & Housing Specialist works directly with clients to support their employment readiness, job placement, housing stability, and community integration . This includes assessments, service planning, job development, housing navigation, independent living skills training, and ongoing support.

Requirements

Minimum Associate degree with 5+ years of experience in IDD services, employment support, housing navigation, case management, or related fields.
Experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, or employment services
Knowledge of affordable housing programs, rental assistance programs, and landlord/tenant laws
Familiarity with the DDA service system, eligibility processes, and funding mechanisms
Valid Maryland driver’s license , clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
Must have or be willing to obtain: ACRE or CESP certification (employment) Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH) certificate (housing)

Nice To Haves

Background in job coaching, workplace accommodations, or independent living skills support is preferred.
Bilingual abilities
Background in disability advocacy
Experience with assistive technology or communication devices
Knowledge of evidence-based practices in community integration and skill development

Responsibilities

Employment Readiness & Client Assessment
Maintain an active assignment caseload of individuals receiving services through DDA who are pursuing competitive employment and/or housing stability
Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand strengths, needs, preferences, support systems, and individual goals across employment and housing domains
Complete intake assessments to determine job readiness, barriers, vocational goals, housing needs, and risk factors
Develop individualized employment and housing service plans in collaboration with each person
Prepare vocational profiles and housing plans to guide job development and housing navigation processes
Job Development & Community Engagement
Visit and engage local businesses to identify work experiences such as informational interviews, job shadows, situational assessments, and job tryouts
Identify job opportunities aligned with each client’s skills, interests, and goals
Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, landlords, property managers, community partners, and workforce organizations
Attend community events, job fairs, and housing networking opportunities to expand employment and housing options
Advocate for clients when negotiating job offers, workplace accommodations, leases, and rental agreements
Housing Services & Support
Navigate housing assistance programs including Section 8, HUD programs, HOPWA, and Maryland IDD-specific housing initiatives.
Assist individuals in applying for housing programs, waiting lists, and rental opportunities
Conduct pre-inspections for move-ins and relocations; coordinate with housing inspectors to ensure compliance
Develop and identify housing opportunities and maintain updated knowledge of affordable housing resources
Serve as liaison between clients, landlords, and community partners to support communication and resolve housing-related issues
Support clients with budgeting, rental readiness, household management, and independent living skills
Coordinate and manage annual housing recertifications and documentation
Skill Development & Employment Preparation
Provide support with resume writing, job applications, and career exploration
Conduct mock interviews, role-play exercises, and workplace etiquette coaching
Provide travel training to support independent commuting for work and community access
Facilitate independent living skill development including home upkeep, budgeting, transportation, and community safety
On-the-Job Support & Coaching
Deliver on-site and off-site job coaching to support successful job integration and long-term retention
Provide systematic instruction for job tasks to promote independence and confidence
Work collaboratively with employers to develop fade-out plans and ensure long-term job success
Support positive workplace relationships between the individual and their coworkers/supervisors
Program Implementation & Coordination
Organize and conduct structured group and individual activities that support employment goals, housing goals, and independent living skills.
Provide direct service interventions aligned with the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
Perform field-based outreach and community support—approximately 70–80% of work in community settings.
Offer supportive counseling, resource linkage, crisis stabilization, and advocacy as needed.
Documentation, Reporting & Compliance
Maintain comprehensive documentation including progress notes, housing plans, vocational profiles, assessments, PCP updates, and required employment forms
Track measurable outcomes including placements, housing retention, job retention, and skill acquisition
Prepare and submit reports for internal teams, DDA, MIH, and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and agency requirements for both employment and housing services
Collaboration & Professional Development
Participate in team meetings and multidisciplinary coordination to support client progress.
Maintain strong communication with all members of a person’s support network.
Complete required trainings, including ACRE and/or CESP certification and the MIH Housing Certificate.
Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge of best practices in employment and housing supports.
Represent the agency at community meetings, collaborative initiatives, and partner events.