Employment Specialist

Brightli • St. Louis, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our compassionate and mission‑driven team as an Employment Specialist, where you will play a vital role in helping individuals achieve meaningful, competitive employment and long‑term vocational success. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact by supporting clients through individualized career planning, job placement, and ongoing retention services. If you are relationship‑focused, community‑oriented, and passionate about empowering others to overcome barriers to employment, this role allows you to make a lasting difference while working alongside a collaborative and supportive team. In this role, you will guide clients through all phases of vocational services, including assessment, job development, placement, and on‑the‑job support. You will leverage your knowledge of the local labor market, build strong employer partnerships, advocate for clients, and support individuals in maintaining employment and achieving long‑term independence.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing employment services
• Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and current auto insurance
• Ability to travel extensively and transport clients as required
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship‑building skills
• Proficiency with computers including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic documentation systems
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, or overnights as needed
• Must provide evidence of freedom from infectious or contagious disease (e.g., TB) prior to employment and annually thereafter when required

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution preferred
• Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, case management, and community‑based employment services preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized vocational services including career planning, job development, placement, and retention support
• Assist clients in identifying strengths, skills, abilities, and employment goals through interviews and community‑based activities
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to support individualized employment planning
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities
• Advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, families, and other stakeholders
• Educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and support reasonable job accommodations
• Teach and reinforce job‑seeking and job‑retention skills to promote long‑term success
• Assist clients with benefits planning related to employment, wages, and work‑hour changes
• Provide on‑site or off‑site job supports as needed to support job retention
• Maintain regular communication with referral sources and identify potential referrals
• Track and report job development outcomes including referrals, placements, retention, and areas of concern
• Respond to workplace‑related crises involving clients when needed
• Travel extensively within the community to conduct job development and provide client transportation as required
• Promote services and clients through community outreach, events, presentations, and employer engagement
• Adhere to confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards at all times
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

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
• Workplace Culture – An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• 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: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED