Employment Specialist

Description

Are you interested in impacting the lives of others? Would you like to end every day knowing you made a difference in someone's life? Do you enjoy teaching and coaching people? If so, this could be the career move you've been looking for. InAlliance, a nonprofit that provides support to adults with developmental disabilities, is looking for an experienced and motivated Employment Specialist to develop, coordinate, and implement activities to support job placement and continued employment for participants in the Community Employment Services Department (CES). The Employment Specialist performs a broad range of activities designed to assist adults with developmental disabilities achieve competitive employment. Strong documentation and organizational skills are required to track progress and update employment records.

Essential Functions*: 

• Guide individuals through all six phases of employment services, including intake, engagement, assessment, job development, job placement, job coaching, and ongoing support.
• Connect individuals to Work Incentives Planner and provide support during meetings as needed.
• Assist with job search strategies, including applications, resume writing, interview preparation, and job retention skills.
• Help individuals create job search portfolios, access job opportunities, and navigate the interview process.
• Collaborate with individuals to develop and follow personalized employment plans.
• Connect with the individual’s Circle of Support as needed.
• Organize monthly external team meetings and send weekly client-related updates.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, reports, and employment service records.
• Update documentation with each new job experience per individual.
• Engage with employers to identify competitive job opportunities that align with individuals’ preferences, strengths, and experiences.
• Provide information about diverse job options for clients with limited work experience.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers through in-person visits, highlighting program benefits, and matching client strengths to employer needs.
• Offer on-going job support tailored to individual preferences, work history, and career goals.
• Provides employer support such as educational information or job accommodation at individual’s request.
• Assist individuals in advancing their careers through job transitions and promotions.
• Research job opportunities using online resources, job fairs, and community connections.
• Participation in committees as needed.
• Dedicate at least 75% of time to direct support, including employer contacts.

*Must be able to perform essential functions of this position with or without accommodations.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience 

These qualifications are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, so if you have 70% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Experience can include paid and non-paid experience including volunteer work and lived experience that helped you to build the competencies, knowledge, and skills needed for this position. Applying allows you to be considered. 

Education:  

• High School Diploma 
• Possess or be able to obtain required certification in Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) in Customized Employment or Basic Employment, or a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) within 12 months of hire.

Experience:  

• Two years of direct instructional experience with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, preferably in employment training, job search support, career counseling, education, or working with people with disabilities in a community setting. 
• Ability to navigate employment laws and incentives available to help people with disabilities secure employment. 
• Ability to navigate computers and varying computer software.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.
• Completion of person-centered thinking/planning training.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.

Additional eligibility requirements 

• Must be able to verify employment eligibility under USCIS I-9 requirements  
• After a conditional job offer has been made, pre-employment screening will be required. InAlliance will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws. 
• CA Driver License
• Clean Driving Record
• CPR/First Aid Certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire

What We Offer

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Starting wage for this position is $20.25. Longevity increases are paid at 1.5% after six months, with an additional increase of 0.5% at one year.
• Low-cost Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Free TeleHealth from HealthiestYou
  • Medical Services
  • Behavioral Health
  • Back Care
  • Dermatology
  • Nutrition
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Insurance Plans: Aflac, Legal Shield Services, Vision
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary 403(b) retirement with company match
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Flexible Spending Account Plans
• Health Savings Accounts
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Cell/Device Stipend

Perks

• Flexible work schedules for eligible employees/positions
• TicketsatWork (employee discounts)
• LifeMart (employee discounts)
• Fun Employee events like celebrating Direct Service Provider Appreciation Week and annual Staff Recognition Events
• Employee committees where you can make your voice heard and have a positive impact
• High employee morale/satisfaction rate
• Equal employment opportunities*

*InAlliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: InAlliance is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at InAlliance are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, WITHOUT regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. InAlliance will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. InAlliance encourages applicants of all ages.

Salary : $22 - $22