Employment Specialist (TEAM)

Easterseals Iowa • Des Moines, IA

11d • $19 - $19

About The Position

Easterseals Iowa is seeking a compassionate and energetic Employment Specialist to work in collaboration with the Des Moines Public School District. The specialist works directly with students and families to support career readiness, employment, and independence. The current opening is at Hoover High School, with travel to other DMPS schools as needed.

The role includes teaching employability and career-readiness skills; providing individualized support with applications, résumés, interviews, drug testing, and workplace behavior; coordinating job shadows, informational interviews, internships, and job placements with local businesses; and teaching students to use public transportation safely. The specialist monitors workplace progress, advocates for participants, and collaborates with parents, school coordinators, vocational counselors, and other team members. The position also supports students with post-secondary planning, including class enrollment, financial aid applications, and accommodation requests.

Easterseals Iowa describes its environment as inclusive, supportive, empowering, and flexible. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) tax-deferred retirement plan; and paid time off. The organization also promotes from within for advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging with students, families, businesses, and team members.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment while managing multiple responsibilities independently.
• Reliable transportation for work-related travel.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must be insurable under Easterseals' vehicle policy.
• Must have access to a telephone for support needs.
• A bachelor's degree in human services, sociology, psychology, education, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred but not required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of job market trends and a passion for helping students navigate the evolving world of work.
• Experience in business development, including cold calling and establishing community connections.

Responsibilities

• Teach employability and career-readiness skills through activities and curriculum.
• Assist students with job applications, résumé building, interview preparation, drug testing, and workplace behavior.
• Organize and support job shadows, informational interviews, internships, and job placements, and build partnerships with local businesses.
• Provide transportation training, including public transportation routes, fares, and safety.
• Monitor participants' workplace progress and provide ongoing support and advocacy toward their career goals.
• Reinforce workplace culture, safety, and best practices.
• Collaborate with parents, school coordinators, vocational counselors, and team members to support each student.
• Attend and provide input during student progress meetings as needed.
• Help students plan post-secondary education, including enrolling in classes, applying for financial aid, and requesting accommodations.
• Travel to other Des Moines Public Schools as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) tax-deferred retirement plan.
• 20 days of paid time off in the first year, increasing to 25 days in the second year.
• Advancement opportunities through a culture that promotes from within.
• Supportive and flexible team working environment.
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed