Job Developer / Employment Specialist
Dorothy Kret & Associates
Remote job
Job Description The Job Developer serves as the primary point of contact and advocate for clients at DKA, supporting their employment goals and connecting them to the full range of DKA programs and services. This role involves managing a caseload of clients and assisting them by facilitating access to DKA opportunities such as personal development and employment skills classes (PDE/ESC), computer courses, vocational counseling, and Work Adjustment Training (WAT) programs. The Job Developer guides clients through all aspects of the employment process, including understanding workers' rights, disability benefits, and ADA accommodations, developing resumes and cover letters, conducting mock interviews, addressing workplace challenges, and assisting with rapid job searches. The ultimate goal is to help clients secure competitive employment in the community. The Job Developer fosters a positive and trauma-informed learning environment, building trust and rapport with clients while modeling professional conduct and workplace standards. This role requires strong communication, organization, adaptability, and teamwork skills, along with advocacy, coaching, and relationship-building abilities, to provide culturally sensitive, client-centered support and advance client employment goals. While primarily an in-person, client-facing position, the Job Developer has greater flexibility than other roles to meet clients in the community or conduct virtual sessions based on client preference and needs. Any work conducted outside of the office still requires approval from the JD Supervisor, and the Job Developer must notify the JD Manager of their location to ensure proper communication and oversight. Any extended work-from-home accommodations must be directly approved by the CEO for a specific and limited duration, with full expectation of return to onsite work at the end of the approved period. Responsibilities Common to all Agency Employees: Maintains confidentiality and trust with all employees, customers, participants, and trainees in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies. Maintains culturally sensitive and trauma-informed interactions with employees, participants, and visitors, and pursues ongoing learning to strengthen cultural competence. Strives for mutually beneficial solutions, values interdependence, and upholds a shared responsibility for the success of the organization as a whole. Represents the agency in a positive and professional manner, demonstrating respect and professionalism in personal appearance and contributing to a clean, orderly, and welcoming facility environment. Demonstrates respect, courtesy and dignity for all. Demonstrates ethical conduct consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Responds in a timely manner in all aspects of communication. Maintains a safe and clean working environment for self, employees, and visitors in compliance with OSHA regulations and other applicable safety standards relevant to the position's duties. Advocates for client needs and demonstrates adaptability and flexibility to support the health and success of the team, participants, and the agency by initiating improvements, solving problems creatively, and showing motivation for positive change and organizational growth. Completes all required agency training to maintain credentials and continuously enhance professional skills and knowledge. Ensures consistent compliance with all DKA policies and procedures, seeking guidance from the appropriate supervisor when questions or concerns arise. Adheres to assigned schedules and demonstrates punctuality, promptly communicating any scheduling conflicts, changes, or unforeseen absences to the appropriate supervisor. Assists in other areas as needed, supporting colleagues and agency operations by stepping in during absences, contributing to new projects, or performing tasks outside of regular responsibilities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Provides job development to GMH designated program participants Completes required reports and documentation accurately and on time, including daily progress notes, monthly reports, time sheets, and incident reports. Attends client meetings (e.g., ART or Coordination of Care) and bi-weekly staff meetings as scheduled. Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for clients, managing a caseload and supporting their employment goals. Connect clients to DKA programs and services, including PDE/ESC personal development and employment skills classes, computer courses, vocational counseling, and WAT programs. Provide individualized support with resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and rapid job search strategies. Offer guidance and problem-solving support for workplace challenges, helping clients navigate employment situations effectively. Facilitate client access to competitive community employment opportunities and provide ongoing job development support. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with program standards and reporting requirements. Collaborate with internal staff, external partners, and client treatment providers to enhance employment opportunities and program integration for clients. Provide job retention support to clients who request this service. Conduct office-based, community-based, or virtual one-on-one sessions with clients based on client preference and needs. Regularly attend community hiring events and job fairs to make contact with potential employers. Reports any serious or problematic incidents within 24 hours and seeks supervision for situations outside job scope or expertise. Maintains strict confidentiality of client and customer records in accordance with HIPAA, DRM, and Federal Copyright regulations. Communicates needs for company-provided resources or benefits, such as ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, equipment requests, and benefit updates, to the WAT manager or CFO. Accurately records hours in the designated payroll system (iSolved) and promptly reports any tardiness or PTO needs to the WAT manager. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Abilities: Demonstrates understanding of disability benefits and workers' rights, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and effectively advises clients on their application and use. Ability to complete accurate, comprehensive, and timely case notes documenting client progress. Strong teaching and training skills, with patience and the ability to adapt instruction to clients with varying skill levels, learning styles, and professional goals. Ability to apply effective instructional principles and methods when working with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health challenges. Knowledge of the job market, job development practices, and Vocational Rehabilitation services and requirements. Understanding of group dynamics and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. Capacity to act responsibly and appropriately in emergency situations. Commitment to advocating for client needs and supporting positive vocational and personal outcomes. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail abilities. Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration within a team environment. Adaptability and flexibility in responding to evolving client needs and organizational priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications. Required Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED At least one of the following: Associate's degree or higher in social work, behavioral health, or a related field Peer or Recovery Support Specialist Certification Minimum of one (1) year of industry-related experience Regulatory and Credentialing Requirements: Must be able to obtain fingerprint clearance within 90 days of hire. Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening. Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must obtain upon hire. Maintain compliance with all ongoing Relias and BHT training requirements. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, due to the potential to perform work within the Archive and PakMail environments. Exertion Level: This job is deemed MEDIUM duty work, as defined by the Social Security Administration, Code of Federal Regulations, ยง 404.1567, Physical exertion requirements: (c) Medium work . Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If one can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work. Equal Opportunity Statement: DKA is an equal opportunity employer, and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.$32k-46k yearly est. 29d agoRehabilitation Specialist - Float (M-F, PT)
Vocational Guidance Services
Cleveland, OH
Job Details Cleveland, OH 44103 - VGS - Cleveland, OH HS Diploma/GED $16.00 - $18.00 Hourly Other - see details in job posting Description Employment Status: Part Time, Call-In position - guaranteed 18 hours per week. Hours may vary ranging from 18-40 hours per week. depending on business needs. FLSA: Nonexempt Location: Employer sites are located throughout Cuyahoga County including E. 55th St., Warrensville Heights, Willoughby, Brooklyn, Lakewood, Solon, etc. This person may fill in at these locations or one of our two Cleveland facilities. Hours are during the day primarily between 8am - 2pm with opportunities also available between 12:30pm - 8:00pm. These options are based on current needs and the interest of the candidate. Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) changes lives and strengthens our communities through services that educate, empower, and provide the opportunity to earn a paycheck! VGS is a highly acclaimed, successful, private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) vocational rehabilitation agency with over 130 years of dedicated experience serving persons with disabilities or other barriers to employment. We are currently seeking to hire a Float Rehabilitation Specialist to assist individuals referred from CCBDD and Medicaid funding sources to meet their vocational goals. The Float Rehabilitation Specialist will be responsible for performing the following duties: Provide services to adults in vocational programming to aid them in working towards competitive employment while putting an emphasis on staying focused and on task, improving efficiency and quality, attendance and dressing appropriately for the workplace. Assist individual in engaging in programming designed to increase daily living skills and personal and social adjustment. Shape personal and social behaviors of individuals through coaching, modeling, and demonstration. Provide case notes and keep supervision up to date regarding individual progress. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner that gets along with customers, vendors, individuals, co-workers, Qualifications GED or high school diploma is required. At least 6 months of experience of working with people with disabilities preferred. Must meet Medicaid requirements including passing BCI and FBI criminal background checks. Must pass all database checks required by Medicaid. Experience with Microsoft Word and Outlook preferred. Strong communication skills both verbal and written are required. To be considered for hire, applicants must complete all application questions, sign and submit the application. Vocational Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability & Veterans.$16-18 hourly 60d+ agoEmployment Specialist
Allied Community Care
Remote job
The Employment Specialist is a highly engaged and mission-driven role that provides one-on-one support services to navigate employment process for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position is ideal for someone who thrives on meaningful connection and purposeful structure-providing hands-on support and advocacy while also developing personalized, goal-driven activities that foster learning, independence, and community integration. Overview The Employment Specialist role involves working directly with clients to assess job readiness, develop career plans, and connect them with employment opportunities that align with their skills and goals. Employment Readiness & Client Assessment Maintain an active assignment list of individuals receiving services through DDA who are seeking competitive employment Conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand each person's strengths, needs, preferences, support systems, and employment interests Complete intake assessments to determine employment readiness, barriers, and vocational goals Develop individualized employment plans in collaboration with each person supported Prepare professional vocational profiles to guide the job development process Job Development & Community Engagement Visit and engage local community to identify and negotiate work experiences (informational interviews, job shadows, situational assessments, job tryouts). Identify job openings aligned with each client's skills, interests, and career goals Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and workforce partners Attend community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to promote the agency and expand employment opportunities Advocate for individuals with IDD and help negotiate job offers and accommodations when needed. Skill Development & Employment Preparation Provide support with resume writing, job application completion, and career exploration Conduct mock interviews, role-playing, and workplace etiquette training to build confidence and increase job readiness Provide travel training to help individuals gain independence in commuting to and from work On-the-Job Support & Coaching Deliver on-site and off-site job coaching to ensure successful integration and retention Provide systematic instruction to teach job tasks, build workplace routines, and promote independence Collaborate with employers to develop support fade-out plans and ensure long-term success. Support clients in developing positive workplace relationships with coworkers and supervisors. Documentation, Reporting & Communication Complete all required documentation including daily notes, attendance records, employment forms, and progress updates. Track measurable outcomes such as employment placements, retention, and skill development. Prepare and submit reports for internal teams, DDA, and other stakeholders. Collaboration & Professional Development Participate in internal and external meetings to support client success and program growth. Maintain strong communication with all team members involved in a person's support network. Complete and pass all required training, including ACRE and/or the CESP certification, and renew training as required. Engage in ongoing learning and professional development opportunities. Education Minimum an Associate degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in IDD services, case management, or housing support Experience Experience with knowledge of workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or career counseling Knowledge of local labor market trends and community employment resources Background in providing on-site job coaching, workplace accommodations, and employment retention support is preferred Certifications & Licenses Valid Maryland driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation. Must have the ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) or CESP (Certified Employment Support Professional) Working Conditions Work occurs in virtual and community settings, including client homes and/or work sites Frequent local travel required; must have reliable transportation Flexible daytime schedule to accommodate evening/weekend commitments Administrative duties include documentation, reporting, and meetings using standard computer equipment. Collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on inclusion and client support. Compensation & Core Benefits Annual Salary: $60,000 - 70,000 Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan Paid time off and holiday pay Mileage Reimbursement Flexible scheduling to balance housing services responsibilities Preferred Additional Qualifications Bilingual capabilities Background in disability advocacy or services Experience with assistive technology and communication devices Knowledge of evidence-based practices in skill development and community integration. Allied Community Care Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and individuals served.$60k-70k yearly Auto-Apply 11d agoSupported Employment Specialist
Compass Family & Community Services
Youngstown, OH
COMPASS Helps Individuals and Families build better lives and a stronger community. Supported Employment Specialist - Youngstown, OH Employment Type: Full-time, daytime hours primarily, Monday- Friday Salary: Competitive hourly rate accompanied with comprehensive benefits package. Position Responsibilities: Assist individuals with severe and persistent mental health and substance use challenges in achieving competitive employment. Build collaborative relationships with clients to support vocational goals. Guide clients on employment-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and provide referrals as needed. Assess vocational functioning and develop individualized employment/education plans. Conduct job development and searches tailored to client interests. Provide ongoing support to help clients maintain employment, including job support plans and employer education. Collaborate with mental health teams and document progress in electronic records. Spend 65%+ of work hours in the community. Assist with job search assistance clients when needed. Guide clients through career exploration activities to identify appropriate vocational goals. Qualifications: Education/Experience: An undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business preferred. Experience with severe mental illness, employment services, and the workforce is ideal. Certification as a Work Incentive Practitioner is a plus but not required. Must be open to becoming certified during employment. Experience in or familiarity with the Supported Employment Fidelity Model a plus but not required. Skills: Strong oral/written communication, organizational, and multitasking skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database software. Team player with flexibility and attention to detail. Benefits: 401(k) that includes employer match. Health insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, Life Insurance and Short term/Long-term Disability Health savings account Paid time off and holidays Referral program Miscellaneous requirements: Criminal background check; Pre-employment drug screen; Clear driving record; First Aid/CPR certification, TB test, Crisis Intervention Training. Normal activity which includes Moderate standing and walking. Ability to handle potentially stressful situations. Non-Exempt/ hourly: Eligible for overtime AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - SERVICE PROVIDED THROUGH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EOE-M/F/H including persons with disabilities and veteran.$34k-40k yearly est. Auto-Apply 60d+ agoEmployment Specialist - Portsmouth
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
Portsmouth, OH
$250 Sign-On Bonus Must be 21 years of age or older Must be able to pass an extensive FBI Background Check To organize, plan and implement a systematic method of identifying, contacting and maintaining rapport with area employers' job openings. To assist clientele in securing appropriate full-time, part-time competitive employment. To make efforts to market all services available through the Agency when contacting prospective employers. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Responsible for adherence of all requirements related to specific funding sources. This includes maintaining necessary records, submitting weekly reports as required and providing input to referral sources regarding individual placement progress. Provide weekly and monthly reports to Quality Assurance. Provide local labor market information to job applicants. Develops an Individual Employment Plan for each participant based upon a Needs Assessments and updates a minimum of quarterly. Provide comprehensive assessments, job seeking skills, career counseling, exploration and development to job applicants. Assist applicants in contacting and obtaining interviews from appropriate prospective employers. Help participants identify continuing barriers to employment as they may develop in the job search. Maintain a liaison relationship with referring agencies regarding applicant's progress. Provide own transportation to visit employers and participants on site, as needed. Travel within the community to assist customers in securing employment and/or other resources. Ensures that paperwork is in compliance with GESMV guidelines and regulations. Meets or exceeds individual and departmental program goals as established with supervisor. Demonstrates knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs as wells as local employment, vocational, and educational resources. Initiate contact with prospective employer to determine personnel needs and arrange interviews for applicants. Other duties as assigned. Comply with all agency policies, procedures and safety standards and ensure safety training throughout areas supervised and maintain same to meet CARF, Department of Labor and other regulatory standards. Supervisory Responsibilities None Education Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Business Education, Social Science or related field. Minimum of one-year experience in field of vocational rehabilitation or job development. Experience in the field may be substituted for Bachelor's Degree. Individual with Certified Employment Support Professional credential (CESP) preferred. Experience Requirements Involvement in implementation and development of training programs for adults with disabling and disadvantaging conditions. Leading Candidates will have a strong background in instructing, vocational rehabilitation, vocational assessment, and job placement services. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee must maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider. If at any time the employee is unable to maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to GESMV's liability insurance provider, they must immediately notify Human Resources. Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check and random drug screens. Skills & Abilities Knowledge of business and industry hiring practices. Uncompromising ethics and integrity. Must have a desire to be a participating member of an organization that values employee involvement and diversity. Must possess excellent customer service, time management, organizational, writing, and reading skills. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people. Must be able to market Easter Seals and explain the mission to the general public. Must possess good organizational and time management skills. Must be able to take initiative, make decisions and work well with little supervision. Must be able to keep information confidential. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.$26k-30k yearly est. 13d ago