Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist provides individualized employment supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) participating in Heartshare’s Supported Employment Services (SEMP) program. The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing competitive integrated employment through job development, employer engagement, individualized job coaching, workplace training, and ongoing employment support.

This position works directly with individuals, employers, families, care teams, and community partners to promote independence, self-determination, and successful employment outcomes. The Employment Specialist utilizes person-centered planning practices to identify employment goals, develop individualized strategies, and provide the level of support necessary for each individual to achieve and maintain meaningful employment.

The Employment Specialist ensures all services are delivered in accordance with OPWDD regulations, ACCES-VR requirements, agency policies, and best practices in supported employment.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities of Position:

Employment Development and Job Placement

• Assist individuals in identifying employment interests, strengths, skills, and career goals through person-centered employment planning.

• Support individuals in pursuing competitive integrated employment opportunities aligned with their interests and abilities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community businesses, and workforce partners.

• Conduct employer outreach, job development activities, and employment networking.

• Assist individuals with completing applications, preparing resumes, practicing interviews, and developing workplace readiness skills.

• Educate employers regarding reasonable accommodations, disability awareness, and effective workplace supports.

Job Coaching and Workplace Support

• Provide individualized job coaching and training based on each person's employment needs.

• Teach job-related skills including task completion, workplace expectations, communication, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving.

• Support individuals in learning job duties, workplace routines, and employer expectations.

• Provide fading supports when appropriate while maintaining successful employment outcomes.

• Assist individuals in adapting to changes in job responsibilities, workplace expectations, or employment environments.

• Provide ongoing follow-up and retention support after placement.

Community Integration and Travel Training

• Provide community-based instruction to increase independence and workplace success.

• Assist individuals with developing transportation skills, including travel training and safety awareness.

• Support individuals in navigating community resources and employment-related activities.

• Promote self-advocacy and independence in workplace settings.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timelines.

• Maintain daily service documentation, monthly progress notes, employment reports, and required program records.

• Document employment goals, progress, barriers, and outcomes in accordance with OPWDD, ACCES-VR, Medicaid, and HeartShare requirements.

• Maintain confidentiality of all individuals served in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

• Ensure documentation reflects services provided, individual progress, and employment outcomes.

Individual Advocacy and Team Collaboration

• Advocate for individuals’ employment goals, preferences, and workplace rights.

• Participate in Individualized Service Plan (ISP), Life Plan, Program Planning Team, and employment-related meetings as required.

• Collaborate with Care Managers, families, residential providers, employers, and other service providers.

• Provide feedback regarding progress, challenges, and recommendations for continued employment success.

• Promote inclusion, dignity, independence, and meaningful community participation.

• Follow all OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OSHA, HIPAA, and HeartShare policies and procedures.

• Immediately report incidents, concerns, or changes in an individual's condition or employment status.

• Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate respect for cultural differences and individual preferences.

• Represent HeartShare professionally within the community.

• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope, responsibilities, and level of the position, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Safety, Compliance, and Professional Responsibilities

• Follow all OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OSHA, HIPAA, and HeartShare policies and procedures.
• Immediately report incidents, concerns, or changes in an individual's condition or employment status
• Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate respect for cultural differences and individual preferences
• Represent Heartshare professionally within the community.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Employment Services Manager

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Education, Business, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of one year experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

• Experience providing employment services, vocational training, job coaching, or community-based supports preferred.

• Knowledge of supported employment principles, workplace accommodations, and person-centered planning preferred.

• Certified Employment Specialist (CES) credential preferred but not required.

• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

• Strong written