Employment Specialist II - East Metro

About the role

Lifeworks is hiring a full-time Employment Specialist II to support adults with disabilities in finding meaningful employment and provide on-the-job coaching for those already working in the community.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload, attend intakes and annual meetings, complete required documentation
• Collaborate with individuals and their support teams to deliver person-centered planning and services that empower success
• Provide direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment
• Support clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers
• Initiate, develop, and maintain relationships and community contacts to increase access to the most inclusive employment and social opportunities for individuals
• Provide job search opportunities as needed to help individuals obtain employment of their choosing
• Utilize the E1MN framework to ensure effective and person-centered services
• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals
• Develop and implement individualized employment and support plans that align with clients’ goals and preferences, in accordance with MN DHS 245D, Rule 9554 guidelines, VRS policies, and Extended Employment policies
• Track and document client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including CARF standards, and reporting on outcomes
• Train other staff to implement outcomes, goals, and support strategies
• Ensure adherence to all relevant policies, including but not limited to DHS 245D, 9554, and CARF guidelines
• Arrange and/or provide necessary transportation to and from businesses and community locations in conjunction with other staff and team members
• Manage billable time and ensure billing is completed accurately and timely
• Attend regular team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy changes, and service delivery standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associates degree and two years of experience in the human service field
• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of four years of education and experience preferred
• Fluent in English, verbal and written
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness when eligibility requirements are met
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What We Offer Employees

• Comprehensive benefits package

Why Work at Lifeworks

• Lifeworks is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways
• Disability inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive, and defy expectations
• The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate, and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in our communities

How You’ll Be Spending Your Time

• Managing a caseload of individuals with disabilities at various stages of their careers, including those seeking employment, those in early career stages, and those needing support to maintain or advance in their current jobs
• Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment
• Providing follow-up and ongoing support to ensure individuals maintain employment and meet their professional goals
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to the most inclusive employment and social opportunities for individuals
• Providing job search opportunities as needed to help individuals obtain employment of their choosing
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to ensure effective and person-centered services
• Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals
• Developing and implementing individualized employment and support plans that align with clients’ goals and preferences, in accordance with MN DHS 245D, Rule 9554 guidelines, VRS policies, and Extended Employment policies
• Tracking and documenting client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including CARF standards, and reporting on outcomes
• Training other staff to implement outcomes, goals, and support strategies
• Ensuring adherence to all relevant policies, including but not limited to DHS 245D, 9554, and CARF guidelines
• Arranging and/or providing necessary transportation to and from businesses and community locations in conjunction with other staff and team members
• Managing billable time and ensuring billing is completed accurately and timely
• Attending regular team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy changes, and service delivery standards
• Performing other duties as assigned

Equity Statement

• Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive
• We appreciate the vibrancy of differences, center the voices of silenced and marginalized people, and champion universal rights
• Lifeworks Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law
• Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply
• We are committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process