Employment Specialist

Full-time position in Kirksville, MO, Adair County.

About the role

The Center for Human Services (CHS) has provided exceptional opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1955. CHS offers programs and services to assist individuals with disabilities, low‑income, at‑risk children, and their families to meet their goals and experience their best lives while living, working, playing, and becoming part of their communities. As an organization, CHS leads in excellence, is committed to solutions, respects all differences, abilities, and similarities in employees and clients, and advocates autonomy.

The Employment Specialist supports CHS’s mission by providing high‑quality, person‑centered supports to individuals receiving employment services. This role serves as the primary staff for a caseload of approximately 10‑15 individuals and works closely with the Professional Manager to ensure services align with each person's plan, preferences, and funding requirements. The Employment Specialist also contributes to service planning, documentation, team collaboration, and the training and support of job coaches to promote quality and consistency in service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and Deliver Individualized Services: Serve as the primary staff for a caseload of approximately 10‑15 individuals; provide employment supports aligned with each person's employment plan, implementation strategies, and level of need; monitor progress and adjust supports to promote independence and workplace integration.
• Facilitate New Job Placements: Support new job placements by assisting during the initial days at the worksite, completing required documentation (e.g., SOPs, Placement Forms) within designated timelines, and collaborating with the Professional Manager to ensure a stable transition.
• Ensure Accurate Documentation and Regulatory Compliance: Complete monthly service reports, outcome documentation, and other required entries in SetWorks in accordance with CHS, VR, and DMH standards; maintain accurate, timely, and professional records for all services delivered.
• Engage in Team Collaboration and Communication: Participate in team meetings and case reviews as directed; prepare relevant updates, share observations, and collaborate with the Professional Manager to support individualized service planning; maintain professional written and verbal communication and include the Professional Manager on all service‑related correspondence.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to plan and deliver individualized supports
• Accurate and timely electronic documentation
• Builds strong working relationships with clients, employers, and team members
• Can adapt quickly to changes in schedules, environments, or job duties
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication
• Comfortable working in a variety of community‑based settings
• Proficient with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, and Paycom
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Uses good judgment, takes initiative, and follows through on tasks

Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Initiative and accountability
• Organization and planning
• Problem‑solving and critical thinking
• Professionalism and dependability
• Respect for individual choice and diversity
• Team collaboration
• Technology proficiency