Employment Specialist

Arrowleaf • Vienna, IL

9d • $42,721 - $46,033 • Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Specialist supports Arrowleaf’s Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Economic Development Program, which focuses on improving economic outcomes in historically underserved areas of Southern Illinois. The role provides hands-on job-skills training and individualized support to people with disabilities, youth, and others seeking employment. It also supports community outreach, business and stakeholder partnerships, and community revitalization initiatives.

The position combines participant services with administrative and program coordination work, including maintaining records, tracking outcomes and expenses, preparing reports, and developing systems to improve workflow. The Employment Specialist models professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving, and helps participants build skills, confidence, and independence as they pursue employment goals. This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week, temporary grant-funded position ending October 31, 2027, based at the Johnson County Office - Vine. The position is identified as management and reports to the Senior Program Director; the posting also lists the immediate supervisor as the Senior Director – Foundation Support Resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, adhere to, and implement standards associated with program rules, regulations, and deliverables.
• Self-motivation, initiative, ability to work independently, creativity, and strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be at least 21 years old to drive agency vehicles.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance.
• Must operate agency and personal vehicles for agency business safely and lawfully.
• Must maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must complete registry clearances and criminal fingerprint background checks.
• Must travel to all agency sites when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation and coordination of the Economic Development Program and ensure activities align with program goals and objectives.
• Provide hands-on job-skills training and individualized participant support, including helping participants navigate resources, overcome barriers, and complete program activities.
• Train participants in customer service, communication, teamwork, workplace expectations, and other essential employment skills.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions focused on job readiness, financial literacy, and workforce development.
• Conduct community outreach to promote program services, engage participants, and build partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
• Build relationships with local businesses and community stakeholders and serve as a liaison between Arrowleaf and community stakeholders.
• Engage community members to identify and address barriers to economic success, including employment, housing, and access to education.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and promoting community revitalization projects and activities.
• Maintain accurate participant records and databases; track participant progress and program outcomes; and prepare required reports.
• Perform administrative duties, including entering receipts, tracking program expenses, and maintaining financial and program documentation.
• Develop and implement processes, procedures, and organizational systems to improve efficiency, workflow, workplace operations, and consistency in program activities.
• Support workforce development initiatives that expand employment opportunities and strengthen local communities.
• Communicate participant progress and concerns to the Senior Program Director.
• Identify opportunities for program improvement and manage priorities.

Benefits

• Health insurance options available after the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.
• Vision insurance options available after the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.
• Dental insurance options available after the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.
• Up to $50,000 life insurance policy.
• 401(k) with company match for qualifying staff.
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, short-term disability, accident/incident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Up to 376 hours of paid time off in the first year, including 13 paid holidays, up to 40 hours of personal time, 12 sick days, 40 hours of bereavement leave, 12 vacation days after a six-month probation period, and 8 hours of paid volunteer time per year.
• Paid advanced trainings and certification opportunities.
• Free clinical supervision for licensure (LCSW, LCPC, CADC).
• Leadership and advancement opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• CCBHC Workforce Career Accelerator Program.
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) eligible site.
• Additional opportunities for compensation above starting salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager