Discovery-Driven Employment Specialist

MSS; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

MSS is seeking an Employment Specialist to partner with people with disabilities to discover what matters to them, explore career possibilities, build job skills, and help find meaningful employment in their community.

This role serves adults, students, and others across the Twin Cities metro area, using the Discovery process and Customized Employment strategies to identify strengths and connect with opportunities that fit each individual.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 1 year of direct support experience.
• An associate degree in a related field with 2 years of direct support experience.
• A related human services diploma with 3 years of direct support experience.
• At least 50 hours of education and training related to human services and four years of full-time direct support experience.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with people you support and learn about interests, strengths, skills, and goals.
• Use the Discovery process and other Customized Employment strategies to identify careers matching abilities and contributions.
• Support exploration of competitive, integrated employment, self-employment, volunteering, and other pathways to meaningful work.
• Help each person make informed employment choices respecting preferences and decisions.
• Assist with resume creation, applications, interviews, and contacting employers.
• Prepare for interviews and learn workplace expectations.
• Support orientation and onboarding processes.
• Develop relationships with local employers and advocate for inclusive hiring practices.
• Provide job coaching and ongoing employment support to build confidence and independence.
• Encourage natural supports in the workplace through strong relationships with supervisors and coworkers.
• Partner with families, employers, schools, counselors, case managers, and other support team members.
• Coordinate referrals, participate in intake meetings, and determine best employment services for each person.
• Develop person-centered employment plans reflecting strengths, goals, and support needs.
• Complete billing, documentation, and reporting compliant with state/federal regulations.
• Maintain documentation supporting 245D HCBS, VRS, and EE services.
• Meet productivity and billing expectations while maintaining high-quality, person-centered support.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Coaching

Advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate degree in related field

Diploma in related human services field

50 hours education/training in human services

Job description

MSS is seeking an Employment Specialist to partner with people with disabilities to discover what matters to them, explore career possibilities, build job skills, and help find meaningful employment in their community.

This role serves adults, students, and others across the Twin Cities metro area, using the Discovery process and Customized Employment strategies to identify strengths and connect with opportunities that fit each individual.