EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Department: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) • Affiliate: RHD • State: Pennsylvania • Reports To: Program Director • EEO Class: 9 • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly • Date Prepared: January 2026

About the role

The Employment Specialist provides vocational assessment, job development, job placement, and ongoing employment support services to individuals receiving services. This position assists individuals in identifying career goals, obtaining competitive integrated employment, and achieving long-term job success. The Employment Specialist supports individuals in overcoming barriers to employment through person-centered planning, advocacy, and skill development. All services are provided in a manner that promotes independence, community inclusion, meaningful participation, and individual recovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide vocational assessment, job development, job placement, and job coaching services to program participants.
• Assist individuals in identifying employment interests, strengths, skills, and career goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers and community businesses to identify employment opportunities.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
• Provide individualized job coaching and workplace support based on each person's unique needs.
• Assist individuals in developing workplace skills, appropriate work behaviors, and self-advocacy skills.
• Identify employment barriers and implement strategies to help individuals achieve successful employment outcomes.
• Support individuals pursuing self-employment opportunities as well as traditional employment options.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and review of Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
• Provide recommendations regarding employment goals and support needs.
• Assist individuals in achieving employment-related goals identified in their ISP.
• Monitor progress and document service outcomes in accordance with program requirements.
• Advocate for individuals seeking employment opportunities and workplace accommodations.
• Educate employers regarding supported employment services and best practices.
• Connect individuals with community resources that support employment success.
• Promote community inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation.
• Complete documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintain case records in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Submit reports, service notes, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Provide emergency on-call coverage on a rotational basis, as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required in Human Services, Rehabilitation, Vocational Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Health Services, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing vocational, employment, or rehabilitation services to individuals with behavioral health or intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) populations. Experience with person-centered planning, job development, and supported employment preferred.
• Licensure and Transportation: Valid driver's license required. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the service area as needed.
• Physical Demands: Ability to frequently exert up to 20 pounds of force and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials as needed. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and travel between community locations. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in office, community, employment, and training settings. Environment includes modern office facilities and community-based locations. May require travel to multiple sites throughout the service area.
• Equipment and Technology: Telephone (cellular and multi-line systems), computer and related peripherals, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment, Microsoft Office and agency software applications.
• Safety and Compliance Knowledge: Bloodborne Pathogens, Right-to-Know Regulations, HIPAA Confidentiality Requirements, Security Procedures, Fire and Safety Protocols.

Skills

• Person-Centered Service Delivery – Demonstrates commitment to individual choice, independence, and self-determination; supports individuals in achieving meaningful employment goals.
• Communication – Effectively communicates with individuals, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners; demonstrates active listening and professional written communication skills.
• Employment Development – Builds and maintains relationships with employers and community businesses; demonstrates knowledge of supported employment principles and job coaching