Employment Specialist

Trinity Services•Joliet, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Employment Services or Associate Director to the Network Director, the Employment Specialist develops job opportunities and placements for people with disabilities. The role involves contacting employers about openings, identifying positions and tasks that fit clients’ abilities, and helping people identify their skills and goals and find and apply for suitable jobs. Services are provided in a dignified, respectful, and professional manner. The position requires travel and work across multiple counties. The role is based in Joliet, Illinois, with a stated schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and occasional evening and weekend hours. Salary is $39,000–$45,000 plus bonus. The Employment Specialist supports clients throughout job preparation, job development, placement, and retention, and collaborates with employers, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) counselors, day programs, career mentors, and job coaches. The role also includes client assessment and documentation, billing, workshops, public presentations, and mentorship or supervision of career mentors and job coaches as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social service, psychology, or a related field.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and the internet.
Valid driver’s license.
Maintain a current CPR and First Aid card and comply with other state-mandated training, such as Rule 50; training is provided through Trinity Services.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, DRS, community employers, coworkers, and the supervisor.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Strong commitment to supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Ability to maintain confidential information in a trusted and ethical manner.
Able to lift over 40 pounds from floor to waist without assistance, push and pull 75 pounds, complete deep knee squats, and push wheelchairs up to 200 pounds.
Able to remain stationary, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods, and operate motor vehicles.
Able to perform physical activities that may include driving, balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in psychology preferred.
Outside sales or marketing experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Promote a work environment that respects people served and treats them with dignity and respect.
Conduct intake with prospective clients and their guardians or families, explain services, and gather required information.
Prepare referrals for the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).
Assess each new client’s skills, abilities, interests, education, work experience, and other information relevant to job placement.
Develop Individual Service Plans with people seeking employment.
Arrange job shadowing and trial work assessments as needed.
Coach clients on job search techniques, applications, and interview presentation.
Network with and market to employers, including through cold calling, to solicit job openings.
Help clients obtain job leads and advocate with employers for job opportunities.
Assist clients with paper and electronic job applications and interview preparation as needed.
Work with employers to identify and modify job tasks to fit clients’ abilities.
Support job retention through individual counseling and employment groups covering job skills, budgeting, workplace conflict, and related topics.
Participate in required staffings with DRS counselors and clients to review employment plans and identify potential problems.
Provide on-site support at community employers.
Maintain productive working relationships with DRS counselors.
Maintain client files and document services accurately in accordance with the organization’s mission, values, and operational needs.
Coordinate with day programs to provide employment groups and workshops on community employment, soft skills, and job retention.
Ensure job coach progress notes are detailed, accurate, consistent, and timely for each billed period.
Give public presentations promoting employment services at events such as school IEPs, conferences, workshops, and service fairs.
Manage billing and advocate for payments with DRS staff.
Complete required daily, weekly, and monthly paperwork accurately, consistently, and on time.
Mentor and supervise career mentors and job coaches as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as instructed.