Employment Specialist/ Job Coach

Easterseals PORT Health (ESPH) is seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist/Job Coach that will empower adults with intellectual developmental disabilities to find meaningful employment using their strengths, interests, and personal goals.

About the role

The Employment Specialist/Job Coach performs as an integral part of the management team working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The primary duty is to secure community-based employment for individuals with disabilities. The Job Coach may also provide evaluation and intensive training services in the community for the individuals served and supported as their caseloads permit. The Job Coach will be the primary contact for VR counselors for all individuals assigned.

Responsibilities

• Create connections with community employers to identify and create job opportunities for individuals receiving services.
• Develop resumes, prepare and accompany individuals to job interviews, assist in filling out applications and questionnaires, and communicate the qualifications of individuals to employers.
• Communicate with each person assigned to the job developer caseload at least weekly and document that communication.
• Conduct the primary job development activities for the program.
• Maintain case records as required by licensing and funding bodies standards and regulations. Documentation must be entered into the electronic medical record system within 24 hours of service delivery.
• Coordinate communication with parents, case managers, and other agencies serving individuals being supported.
• Maintain good work habits regarding attendance, punctuality, appearance, and effective working relationships with coworkers, VR and LME/MCO staff, employers, and individuals being supported.
• Provide job development and intensive training activities with individuals being supported according to their approved service, work/service plan, and work schedule.
• Accompany individuals being supported to their community-based employment site to provide on-the-job training as needed. Analyze job duties/tasks and complete a thorough job task analysis as needed.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm). Some flexible hours required for evenings and weekends.

Location

Community-based role requiring travel in and around Wake and Durham counties. Work is performed in the community, not in the office. Some nights and weekends may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate: $19-$21 an hour, depending on experience and education.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• Life and Disability Insurance (company paid).
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program and legal services support.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Possesses a valid, unrestricted North Carolina driver’s license, has a good driving record, and carries current, unrestricted vehicle insurance.
• Willing to travel within the assigned territory to support community-based program.
• Must have reliable transportation that will allow movement throughout the program delivery area.
• Basic computer skills for documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field (preferred).
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (preferred).
• Knowledge of the labor market and community services agencies, as well as skills in writing task analysis, systemic job training, counseling, advocacy, and supported employment (preferred).
• Previous experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a job coach environment (preferred).
• Willingness to provide support in a community-based role and passion for helping others reach their full potential in the workforce.

About Easterseals PORT Health

Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy and compassionate partner, providing exceptional services in disability, mental health, and substance use to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our 2,600-member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults, and families in 11,000 home, facility, and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.