Employment Specialist

About the role

Access Services is seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist to support individuals with disabilities throughout the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania in achieving meaningful employment and personal growth. This role partners closely with individuals, families, employers, community agencies, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to develop and implement individualized employment plans. The Employment Specialist assists individuals in securing and maintaining competitive community-based employment, provides job coaching and on-the-job training, and delivers ongoing support to promote long-term success in the workplace. The position combines direct service, case management, employer relationship building, and advocacy while ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of each individual served. The role offers a combination of community-based work, office responsibilities, and hybrid remote flexibility, with regular travel required throughout the Lehigh Valley area.

Responsibilities

• Help ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals receiving services.
• Assist, support, and instruct individuals receiving services to afford appropriate opportunities for growth and development.
• Assist the director with the development and coordination of the designated program component.
• Participate in interdepartmental team meetings and serve as a liaison with individuals, family members, residential support staff, county case managers, program management, and employer/community contacts.
• Develop, implement, and monitor action plans and OVR Individualized Plans for Employment for assigned individuals.
• Assist individuals in locating and maintaining competitive work opportunities in the community.
• Provide on-the-job training tailored to the individual and job specifications.
• Provide follow-along supports appropriate to the situation and the individual.
• Complete necessary assessments, job site analysis, data records, placement records, correspondence, and all required reports, as well as file management.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Have knowledge of emergency procedures and provide instruction and coordination of emergency procedures to individuals in this service.
• Travel during the workday to attend offsite meetings and provide services in the community.

Requirements

The selected candidate must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination, and a driving history record.

Driving Requirements

• Valid US driver’s license for at least two years (not including permit time).
• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents).
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours with valid registration, inspection stickers, and auto insurance.
• Proof of coverage as a driver on the auto insurance policy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certification: Either a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (for those with at least one year of experience in employment services) or satisfactory completion of a forty-hour training to earn the Basic Employment Services Certificate of Achievement through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (for those without prior experience), achieved within six months of hire.
• Experience in public relations, human services, rehabilitation, human resources, employment, counseling, education, or a related field. Four years of related experience preferred.

Skills

• Familiarity with methods and materials for education/training of individuals with disabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with people and be a productive team member.
• Ability to physically support/assist individuals with physical disabilities.
• Proficiency in workplace applications, platforms, and technologies, or ability to learn them.
• Ability to navigate network drives and perform basic hardware troubleshooting.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and/or support.
• Stand, sit, or run independently or to provide proper care and supervision.
• Able to move and stay with an individual to keep them safe, both in home and community settings, even when an individual may struggle to meet expectations.
• Able to assist an individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size.
• Walk and climb stairs independently or to provide direct care and/or support.
• Work in a standard office environment and utilize desktop computer equipment daily.
• Able to lift or move items associated with sedentary work and light work (exert up to 20 lbs.).
• Travel to offsite locations and regional office locations as necessary.

Schedule

The work schedule is 35-40 hours/week within regular business hours, with flexibility to adapt to the needs of caseloads, including nights and weekends as needed.

Pay

The position starts at $18/hour with increases based on education and experience.

Benefits

• Health & Security: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection, and catastrophic sick leave. Access Services covers up to 88% of health premiums, with many employees paying less than $150/month.
• Time to Recharge: Full-time employees start their first year earning up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with more time added as tenure increases.
• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.
• Built into the Job: Mileage and toll reimbursement.
• Support Beyond Work: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:
  • Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth, and text therapy.
  • Financial and legal guidance.
• Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.