Employment Specialist

Quest, Inc. makes a difference in the lives of nearly 600 people each day. For over 60 years, we’ve been committed to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing a path to independence, community inclusion, and empowerment. Our mission is to help people with developmental disabilities experience a full life, guided by the vision to provide lifelong services.

About the role

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support individuals with disabilities as they prepare for work, secure employment, and build long-term success. You’ll spend time out in the community coaching clients, collaborating with employers, and celebrating real wins as people reach their goals. This is a full-time, hybrid position based out of our Orlando office, supporting clients throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. The hybrid schedule includes a combination of on-site work, work from home, and in-field support and coaching for the clients we serve.

Responsibilities

• Pursue employment for individuals with disabilities through business development efforts, including job leads, monitoring open positions, and attending job fairs.
• Act as liaison with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to facilitate appropriate services and supports.
• Collaborate with the individual’s family, Support Coordinator, group home, or guardian to guide them in finding and maintaining employment.
• Advocate for the employment of individuals with disabilities by providing disability awareness training and guidance to potential/current employers.
• Facilitate all aspects of initial employment, including travel training, work schedules, employer paperwork, pre-hire requirements (e.g., drug testing, background screening), and new hire training.
• Provide on-site training and support to ensure the individual’s acquisition and retention of job duties.
• Develop customized training tools to assist individuals in their new positions.
• Negotiate and mediate with the individual’s manager to resolve skill or employment issues and maintain employment.
• Facilitate the transition of individuals from Employment Services (VR) to Follow Along Services (APD) as appropriate.
• Complete required documentation, including progress notes, service notes, and all contacts related to the individual’s case.

Requirements

• Four years’ experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program; experience in job placement, job coaching, or counseling; or related experience working with persons with disabilities
• OR a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, education, human resources, business administration, or economics) and one year of experience as described above
• OR a master’s degree in a related field and six months’ experience
• OR an associate’s degree and two years’ experience
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Able to work in the U.S. without Visa Sponsorship now or in the future

Benefits

• Medical Coverage: HRA, FSA, premium discounts, wellness credits, free virtual and Minute Clinic visits, free imaging, and surgery
• Dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with up to 2.5% company match
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary accident and hospitalization coverage available
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)