Employment Specialist

Job Description: Job Title: Employment Specialist Location: Independence, MO Department: Employment Services Employment Type: Full-time and Part-time Job Summary: Are you passionate about helping individuals achieve independence through meaningful employment? Join our compassionate, collaborative team as an Employment Specialist and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals working toward their personal and professional goals. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to build strong employer partnerships, advocate for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, support clients in achieving long-term career success, utilize your knowledge of the local labor market, and contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to changing lives. We are seeking a motivated professional who is compassionate, resourceful, community-focused, and committed to empowering others through employment opportunities. As an Employment Specialist, you will provide individualized vocational services that help clients identify career goals, develop job readiness skills, secure competitive employment, and maintain long-term success in the workforce. You will collaborate with clients, employers, referral sources, and community partners to create pathways to employment while providing ongoing support, advocacy, and career development services tailored to each individual's goals and strengths. This position offers… 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 Additional Perks & Benefits  - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement individualized vocational services, including career planning, job development, job placement, and retention support. Assist clients in identifying strengths, interests, abilities, and career goals through interviews, vocational counseling, and community-based activities. Build and maintain employer relationships that create competitive, integrated employment opportunities for clients. Provide individualized benefits planning to help clients make informed decisions regarding employment, income, and benefits. Teach and reinforce job-seeking, workplace readiness, and job retention skills that support long-term success. Advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, family members, schools, and other stakeholders. Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and assist in identifying workplace accommodations when needed. Conduct client orientations to explain available services, rights, responsibilities, and program expectations. Participate in planning meetings and collaborate with treatment teams and referral partners to support client employment goals. Maintain regular communication with referral sources and community partners to coordinate services and identify new opportunities. Respond to employment-related crises and provide support to clients and employers as appropriate. Travel throughout the community to provide job development, on-site employment support, and client transportation when necessary. Report employment outcomes, client progress, and program activities to leadership in a timely manner. Promote services and participate in community outreach, networking, presentations, and employer engagement activities. Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution preferred. Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing employment services preferred. Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, and employment support services preferred. Understanding of mental health, substance use disorders, and barriers to employment preferred. Knowledge of local labor market trends and employer engagement practices preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic systems. Additional Qualifications: · Current driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance required. · Strong communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills. · Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with clients, employers, referral sources, and community partners. · Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities. · Knowledge of community resources and supports available to individuals with disabilities and employment barriers. · Ability to produce accurate documentation, reports, and correspondence within required timeframes. · Successful completion of background checks, including criminal history, driving record, abuse/neglect screening, and fingerprint check. · Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with CARF standards and contractual requirements. · Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and other hours as needed. Physical Requirements Perform primarily sedentary work involving exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Remain seated for extended periods while completing documentation, planning activities, and other administrative responsibilities. Occasionally stand and walk throughout the workday while supporting clients and employers. Travel regularly within the community to provide employment services, job development, and workplace supports. Keywords: Employment Specialist, Vocational Services, Job Placement, Workforce Development, Empl