Community-Based Employment Specialist

Opportunities, Inc.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by connecting them to competitive, integrated employment and meaningful community engagement.

The Employment Specialist will build personalized employment plans based on each person’s interests and strengths, visiting homes and communities to establish trust and facilitate job experiences. The role includes discovering skills, negotiating with employers for customized positions, and supporting

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience providing employment services to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record; willing to drive company vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a working assignment list of people seeking competitive paid employment.
• Engage in the Discovery Process to gather information about individuals’ experiences, support systems, and interests.
• Visit businesses to locate and negotiate work experience activities (informational interviewing, job tryouts, shadowing).
• Assist with preparing job applications and resumes.
• Prepare Vocational profiles to navigate the job development process.
• Assist with person-centered planning and set employment-related goals.
• Coordinate with employers for job development and planning and provide on-the-job training.

Skills

Creative

Flexible

Detail-oriented

Autonomy in field

Initiative

Time management

Organization

Rapport with diverse populations

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by connecting them to competitive, integrated employment and meaningful community engagement.

The Employment Specialist will build personalized employment plans based on each person’s interests and strengths, visiting homes and communities to establish trust and facilitate job experiences. The role includes discovering skills, negotiating with employers for customized positions, and supporting