Employment Specialist

About the role

RISE Services is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful, competitive integrated employment. Through person-centered employment services, customized job development, and ongoing workplace support, we empower individuals to build successful careers and greater independence.

Why Join RISE Services?

- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. - Help people achieve independence through meaningful employment. - Flexible, community-based work environment. - Paid mileage reimbursement for work-related travel. - Ongoing training and professional development. - Opportunities for career growth within a growing organization.

What You'll Do

• Employment Planning: Conduct employment assessments to identify each participant's strengths, interests, skills, and career goals. Develop individualized employment plans using a person-centered approach. Identify barriers to employment and coordinate resources to support successful outcomes.
• Job Readiness & Career Development: Coach participants in resume development, interviewing, workplace communication, and professional behavior. Conduct mock interviews and job readiness activities. Teach workplace expectations, soft skills, and employment success strategies.
• Job Development & Placement: Assist participants with job searches using online job boards, networking, employer outreach, and community resources. Match participants with employment opportunities that align with their interests and abilities. Coordinate applications, interviews, and hiring activities. Advocate for reasonable workplace accommodations when appropriate.
• Job Coaching & Employment Retention: Provide on-site and community-based job coaching. Support participants during onboarding and skill development. Assist individuals with learning job duties, workplace routines, and communication with supervisors and coworkers. Monitor progress and provide ongoing support to promote long-term employment retention.
• Documentation & Compliance: Complete timely service documentation, progress notes, and required records. Maintain documentation in accordance with Medicaid and organizational requirements. Track employment outcomes including placements, hours worked, wages, and employment retention.
• Employer & Community Engagement: Develop relationships with local employers to increase employment opportunities. Attend hiring events, job fairs, and community networking activities. Collaborate with families, support coordinators, schools, and other community partners to coordinate services.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Rehabilitation, or a related field (or equivalent experience may be considered).
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or individuals experiencing barriers to employment.
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout the service area.
• PREFERRED:
• Experience providing Supported Employment or Individual Supported Employment (ISE) services.
• Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver services and disability employment supports.
• Understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and workplace accommodations.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems.
• CESP, ACRE, DSP, or other employment support certifications are a plus.

Skills

Supported Employment
Job Coaching
Employment Services
Career Development
Disability Services
Community Integration
Employer Relations
Job Development
Documentation
Case Management
Microsoft Office
Time Management
Communication
Problem Solving

Work Environment

Community-based position serving individuals in employer worksites and throughout the community. Regular local travel throughout Woodbridge, Fairfax, Springfield, and Stafford. Monday-Friday schedule with occasional flexibility based on participant and employer needs.

Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Holidays
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Long-Term Care Option
Employee Assistance Program (also available to part-time employees)
Employee Tenure Bonus Program (also available to part-time employees)
Mileage Reimbursement
Paid Training and Professional Development

Equal Opportunity Employer

RISE Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We recruit, hire, train, and promote employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Apply Today!

If you are passionate about helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment and greater independence, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join the RISE Services team!