Employment Specialist

Brightli • Cape Girardeau, MO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Join a compassionate, collaborative team making a measurable difference in people’s lives by supporting individuals to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. We seek a motivated, empathetic self-starter with strong communication, community outreach, and problem-solving skills. The Employment Specialist develops and implements individualized vocational services including career planning, job placement, and retention supports. You will assess client strengths and barriers, create employer relationships, provide on-site supports, coordinate benefits planning, and track outcomes to promote long-term vocational success in an integrated community setting.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum one year of experience providing employment or vocational services
• Understanding of supporting individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment, including mental health and substance use challenges
• Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation methods, community resources, and relevant legal/court procedures
• Strong verbal and written communication and customer service skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic media
• Successful completion of background check (criminal, driving, abuse/neglect, fingerprint)
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and auto insurance
• Must provide evidence of being free from infectious/contagious disease (e.g., TB) prior to hire and annually as required
• Sedentary work: may exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and perform repetitive hand/finger movements for typing/writing
• Primarily sitting with occasional walking or standing; may require brief periods of more active mobility during community-based activities

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized career plans and provide vocational counseling through interviews and community-based activities to identify strengths, needs, abilities, and employment goals
• Conduct job development and employer outreach to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities and build lasting employer relationships
• Provide job placement support, on-site and off-site job coaching, and crisis response at worksites as needed to ensure retention and long-term success
• Teach and reinforce job-seeking and job-retention skills; assist with benefits planning at service onset and prior to job starts or changes in hours/pay
• Market clients and services, promote the program at community events, and deliver presentations to employers and stakeholders
• Maintain regular contact with referral sources, participate in team/planning meetings, and report job development outcomes and metrics to supervisors
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational records to inform individualized planning
• Adhere to confidentiality, CARF, contractual standards, and agency policies; maintain flexible availability including evenings, overnights, and weekends as required
• Travel extensively for job development and client supports; transport clients when necessary

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• 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

What This Job Offers

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