Community Integrated Employment Specialist

Sertoma Star Services; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

403(b) with company match

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Job summary

Sertoma Star Services in Alsip, Illinois, is looking for a Community Integrated Employment Specialist to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this role, you will develop tailored job-readiness plans, conduct assessments, and provide hands-on support to help clients secure meaningful employment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to work independently. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical insurance plans, and ongoing training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective collaboration with coworkers and consumers.
• Knowledge of working with individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments within prescribed routines.
• Valid driver's license and meet agency driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with consumers to determine their interests and needs.
• Complete ongoing assessments to support community‑integrated employment.
• Provide support and supervision during employment readiness training.
• Develop job‑development plans based on assessments.
• Advocate for consumers and help them advocate for themselves.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Collaboration with coworkers and consumers

Knowledge of working with individuals with disabilities

Ability to work independently

Education

High school diploma preferred

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Who We Are

At Sertoma Star Services, we’re on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.

Department

Employment Services

Status

Full‑time

Your Role

As the Community Integrated Employment Specialist, you will work closely with individuals to identify their interests, strengths and goals, and develop tailored job‑development and readiness plans. You’ll conduct ongoing assessments, lead discovery and training activities, and provide hands‑on support in both office and community settings to help consumers secure and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll document progress in the Human Services Management System (HSMS), educate and protect consumer rights, and collaborate with families, providers, and team members to deliver person‑centered services.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with consumers using their preferred mode of communication to determine their interests, strengths, wants, and needs.
• Treat consumers with dignity and respect, providing the support needed to achieve maximum independence.
• Complete ongoing assessments to understand consumers’ wants and needs to support community‑integrated employment.
• Use assessment information to guide consumers’ participation in discovery activities and skill development based on their employment needs.
• Provide support and supervision during employment readiness training and discovery activities.
• Develop job‑development plans based on assessment and discovery activities to help consumers obtain community‑integrated employment.
• Advocate for consumers and help them advocate for themselves, as requested.
• Protect consumers’ rights by understanding their rights, educating them about them, and ensuring those rights are not violated.
• Document all supports provided in a timely manner, including daily progress notes, incident reports, injury/illness reports, daily attendance, etc., using HSMS.
• Work cooperatively with all staff, outside providers, and family members/guardians to ensure high‑quality services.
• Transport consumers to and from CDS programs and into the community when needed.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective collaboration with coworkers and consumers.
• Knowledge of working with individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments within prescribed routines and standard practices.
• High school diploma preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and meet agency driving requirements when required for transportation.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Employer‑paid insurance: basic life/AD&D and long‑term disability.
• Employee assistance program.
• 403(b) with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Health, Safety, and Culture

Sertoma Star is an equal‑opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. In order for you to work effectively and advocate for inclusivity, we must foster an environment respectful and sensitive to people of all gender identities, cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Our open‑door, team‑building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.