Employment Specialist

Aspire Chicago•Hillside, IL

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Empower potential. Build pathways. Drive real employment outcomes. Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission! At Aspire, we believe meaningful employment changes lives. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving and retaining competitive, community-based employment while helping individuals build confidence, independence, and meaningful careers. Working collaboratively with an integrated training and employment team, you’ll prepare individuals for job placement, provide individualized support that promotes long-term retention, and assist with employment consulting engagements. You’ll also partner with employers to help create welcoming workplaces where individuals can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. This is more than a job coaching role—it’s a chance to open doors, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and the communities they are part of.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum three (3) years of related work experience
Valid driver's license with a good driving record required
Reliable mode of transportation and proof of insurance required
Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write reports
Able to maintain confidential information
Able to deal tactfully, engagingly, and courteously with individuals, employees at all levels, families, and the general public
Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and accountability
Able to think independently and navigate ambiguity
A relationship builder who develops and maintains positive interpersonal relationships with people supported, consumers, providers, Aspire employees, and community partners
Highly organized with the ability to multitask, prioritize work, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
An independent worker capable of establishing priorities and managing multiple competing tasks

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
Experience working with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities

Responsibilities

Support individuals by following individualized plans for seeking employment, including: developing resumes and cover letters, building job search networks (including online networking), conducting job searches, identifying job leads, completing and submitting applications, practicing interview skills, and supporting job-related communications.
Conduct assessments, when necessary, to determine an individual's skills and abilities to assist in the job matching process
Develop and execute an Individual Placement Plan with each individual
Assist individuals in securing community employment by screening employer requirements and individual skills to create successful job matches
Conduct job analyses with attention to job details and environmental and social factors
Create adaptive supports as needed, including but not limited to checklists, social stories, visual prompts, and other aids
Create support fade-out plans
Provide transportation training (e.g., how to use public transportation and/or rideshare) and provide transportation as needed
Provide ongoing job support to ensure successful placements while developing natural supports at each community-based work location
Serve as a liaison between employers and individuals at the worksite
Provide transitional job coaching and continued coaching as needed
Provide job retention support as needed
Manage a caseload of job seekers and maintain/update case files per requirements
Document participant progress and activities through case notes, job coaching reports, staffing reports, and progress reports
Attend team meetings and staffings per Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) requirements
Complete reporting and service requirements of the DRS contract
Maintain awareness of the local job market and employment opportunities across various industries
Market Aspire’s employment services with employers and referral sources
Execute components of inclusive employment consulting engagements
Cooperate with compliance and quality improvement initiatives and protocols
Perform other duties deemed necessary and within the scope of the position as assigned