Employment Specialist

Are you a self-motivated professional with strong time management skills and a passion for empowering individuals with disabilities? As an Employment Specialist at The Arc of Southeast Iowa, you’ll have the opportunity to work autonomously while collaborating with a dedicated team to help clients achieve meaningful employment. In this role, your exceptional communication, organizational skills, and professionalism will be key to building strong partnerships with employers, supporting clients, and ensuring quality service delivery.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact while thriving in a dynamic and mission-driven environment, we want to hear from you!

POSITION: Employment Specialist

PROGRAM AREA: Home and Community Based Services

REPORTS TO: Program Director

FLSA STATUS: Salaried/Non-Exempt

SUPERVISES: Job coaches and other employment staff as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or business related field OR commiserate working experience.
• Completion of Certificate Employment Services Professional within 24 months of hire.
• Ability to adapt within a dynamic environment and attend to all aspects of the position with limited supervision.
• Ability to work with families, agency professionals, program evaluators, and community employers.
• Computer abilities, including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Must have a car, valid Iowa driver’s license and adequate vehicle insurance as outlined in the personnel policies.
• Training/Supervisory experience preferred.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Employment Specialist is responsible for administering Supported Employment services, which shall include managing a caseload of individuals seeking employment and working with community employers to find the best matches for placement.

SCOPE OF THE POSITION: This full-time, non-exempt position is responsible for Supported Employment programming; providing assessment, training and supports needed to help place individuals with disabilities in community based employment settings; and for management of quality service provision through the following areas:

• Receive referrals and complete client intakes.
• Maintain proactive working relationships with referral sources.
• Attend and document service planning, assessments and other meetings for clients.
• Maintain organized client files.
• Ensure that agency service documentation and reporting requirements are met.
• Maintain a communication log of external contacts.
• Set up and assign or attend job assessments, job shadowing, job training, and job coaching.
• Ensure successful job placement by supporting client, employer, and other agency staff through the training and transition process to full completion.
• Establish and maintain a working relationship with clients and their families.
• Maintain high personal and professional ethics as they relate to working for and with persons with disabilities and their families, agencies, and providers involved in the program.
• Complete all required trainings and maintain needed certifications.
• Seek and maintain involvement in agencies and organizations that relate to the mission of The Arc.
• Execute and implement measures and tools to evaluate and ensure the provision of quality service.
• Comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as funder requirements.
• Promote a positive image of the Arc and its programs at all times.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Provide direct services to clients when needed.
• All duties as assigned by the Program or Executive Director.

Equipment Usage

• Computer/laptop
• Copier/scanner/fax

Work Conditions

• Professional office environment.
• Involves sitting, standing, walking in a number of different environments both indoors and outdoors.
• Entails travel to service areas throughout Johnson county and surrounding counties.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance