Employment Specialist

RISE Services LLC•Springfield, VA

9d•$21 - $22•Hybrid

About The Position

RISE Services is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Employment Specialist / Job Coach to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. In this community-based role, you will work directly with individuals at employer worksites and throughout the community. You will provide individualized career planning, job development, workplace-skills training, on-the-job coaching, and ongoing employment-retention support. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in supported employment, disability services, human services, education, behavioral health, workforce development, case management, or career coaching.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, counseling, education, rehabilitation, workforce development, or a related field. A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or others who experience barriers to employment.
Strong communication, coaching, organization, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work independently, manage a flexible schedule, and meet documentation deadlines.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned service area.
Ability to meet applicable background-check and employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing Supported Employment, Individual Supported Employment (ISE), job coaching, or job-development services.
Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver services or other disability employment programs.
Understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act and reasonable workplace accommodations.
Experience working with employers, support coordinators, vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools, or community partners.
CESP, ACRE, DSP, or another employment-support certification.
Compassionate, patient, and committed to person-centered services.
Comfortable meeting participants and employers throughout the community.
Skilled at motivating others while promoting independence and self-advocacy.
Dependable, organized, and able to manage multiple participants and deadlines.
Professional and confident when communicating with employers and community partners.
Flexible and able to adapt services to each participant’s individual needs and goals.

Responsibilities

Assess each participant’s strengths, interests, skills, support needs, and career goals.
Develop individualized, person-centered employment plans.
Identify barriers to employment and connect participants with appropriate resources and supports.
Help participants develop resumes, complete applications, and prepare for interviews.
Conduct mock interviews and teach workplace communication, professional behavior, time management, and other employment-readiness skills.
Assist participants with job searches through online job boards, networking, employer outreach, hiring events, and community resources.
Identify employment opportunities that match participants’ interests, abilities, experience, and goals.
Coordinate job applications, interviews, hiring activities, and onboarding.
Build relationships with local employers and educate businesses about inclusive hiring.
Support participants in identifying and requesting reasonable workplace accommodations when appropriate.
Provide individualized job coaching at employer worksites and in community settings.
Help participants learn job duties, workplace routines, safety expectations, and employer policies.
Support effective communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Develop natural workplace supports and strategies that promote independence.
Monitor progress and adjust supports as participants develop new skills.
Provide ongoing follow-along services to promote long-term employment success and retention.
Complete accurate and timely progress notes, service documentation, and required records.
Maintain documentation in accordance with Medicaid, funding-source, and organizational requirements.
Track employment outcomes, including job placements, wages, scheduled hours, and retention.
Communicate regularly with participants, families, support coordinators, employers, schools, and other community partners.
Participate in team meetings, training, and service-planning activities.