Employment Specialist

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: Raytown, MO
Department: Employment Services
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

Are you passionate about helping others achieve greater independence and success through meaningful employment? As an Employment Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, discover their strengths, and build rewarding careers. Join our compassionate and collaborative team where you'll develop meaningful relationships with clients, engage with local employers, support career growth, and make a positive difference in your community every day. We are looking for someone who is passionate about advocacy, enjoys building community partnerships, communicates effectively, and is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their goals.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing individualized career planning, job development, placement, and retention services for clients. This role works closely with individuals, employers, referral sources, and community partners to create competitive employment opportunities and support long-term vocational success. The Employment Specialist serves as an advocate, educator, and resource while helping clients navigate their employment journey and achieve meaningful community integration.

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 individualized career plans that align with clients' strengths, interests, abilities, and employment goals
• Connect clients with competitive employment opportunities through job development, employer engagement, and community networking
• Teach and reinforce job-seeking, interviewing, workplace readiness, and job retention skills
• Build and maintain relationships with employers to identify hiring needs and create employment opportunities for clients
• Advocate for clients with employers, family members, referral sources, and community partners to support successful employment outcomes
• Assist clients with benefits planning and informed decision-making regarding employment, work hours, and compensation
• Facilitate orientations and provide ongoing vocational counseling, guidance, and support throughout the employment process
• Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and assist with workplace accommodations as needed
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with treatment teams and stakeholders to support client success
• Respond to workplace challenges or crises and provide support to promote successful job retention
• Maintain communication with referral sources and provide updates regarding employment outcomes and client progress
• Travel throughout the community to provide job development activities, employment supports, and client transportation when needed
• Provide on-site and off-site employment supports as necessary
• Complete other duties as assigned by leadership

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution preferred
• Minimum one (1) year of experience providing employment services preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of criminal background, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint screening requirements
• Current valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current automobile insurance required
• Knowledge of supporting individuals with disabilities and individuals experiencing barriers to employment, education, or independent living
• Understanding of case management, rehabilitation principles, and employment support services
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and available community resources
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, internet-based platforms, and electronic documentation systems
• Ability to market services, develop employer partnerships, and promote employment opportunities within the community
• Ability to respond effectively to workplace challenges and support clients in achieving vocational success

Physical Requirements

• Perform sedentary work requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force
• Use hands, fingers, and arms repetitively for typing, writing, and computer-based tasks throughout the workday
• Sit for extended periods while completing documentation and administrative duties
• Occasionally stand and walk while conducting community-based job development and client support activities
• Safely transport clients and travel extensively throughout the community as required
• Perform essential job duties while maintaining physical stamina necessary for community-based employment services

Keywords: Employment Specialist, Job Development, Vocational Services, Career Planning, Workforce Development, Disability Services, Case Management, Client Advocacy, Community Outreach, Employment Support Services