Employment Development Specialist I

ServiceSource Inc; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

FSA/HSAs

Wellness program

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

ServiceSource seeks an Employment Development Specialist to catalyze opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities through a grant-funded program. The role focuses on developing community employment options, job development, and ongoing support, with the grant slated to end in early 2029.

The EDS collaborates with counselors and local partners to create person-centered plans, connect clients to training, and provide post-employment coaching to promote retention and career growth.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in psychology, Human Services or related field, plus 1 year of related experience working with adults with disabilities or a related population required.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Human Services or related field preferred.
• In lieu of an associate or bachelor's degree, the candidate must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 3 years of experience in Human Services and working with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and assessments to establish employment goals and develop person-centered employment plans.
• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other community entities that refer individuals to the program.
• Provide job development services, including connecting individuals to training resources, to secure employment matching interests and needs.
• Provide post-employment services including job coaching, follow-up support, and travel training for retention and growth.
• Build relationships with employers, community agencies, internal departments, and vendors.

Skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

ZOOM & MS Teams

Independent worker

Education

Associate degree in psychology or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

High School Diploma with 3 years experience acceptable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Job Summary

The Employment Development Specialist (EDS) plays a critical role in a multi-year grant funded program designed to transition disconnected youth and adults with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment. The EDS will be responsible for developing community employment opportunities and providing community-based job development, as well as supporting advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. This grant position is expected to end in early 2029.

Primary Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These duties and responsibilities will be rated on the Annual Performance Review.

• Conduct intakes and assessments with individuals to establish employment goals and develop person-centered employment plans.
• Collaborate closely with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other community entities that refer individuals to the program.
• Provide job development services, including connecting individuals to training and educational resources, to help them secure employment that aligns with their career interests, strengths, and support needs.
• Provide post-employment services, including job coaching, follow-up support, and travel training, to ensure retention, job satisfaction, and career growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, community agencies, internal departments, and external vendors.
• Accurately complete and submit monthly billing reports, participant records, case notes, and other documentation in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with the grant's expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct task and job-site analyses at selected locations to ensure appropriate job matches for individuals.
• Conduct employer outreach, provide consultation, guidance, and disability awareness training to employers and business representatives as needed.
• Coordinate and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings related to an individual’s Employment Support Plan; prepare annual individual support plans.
• Attend all grant-related trainings and meetings as assigned, including those for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
• Collaborate with the case manager and youth transition specialist, as needed, to ensure comprehensive support for the entire family and facilitate cross-collaboration.
• Regularly meet with the Project Director, Project Evaluator, and key team members, including case managers, youth transition specialists, and employment development specialists from ServiceSource and affiliated organizations, to ensure alignment and progress toward grant objectives.
• Actively seek opportunities to enhance knowledge of systems supporting TANF recipients and disconnected youth, including the barriers they face.
• Foster collaboration through participation in community meetings, professional networks, and relevant trainings, enabling effective referrals and comprehensive care for individuals and families.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in psychology, Human Services or related field, plus 1 year of related experience working with adults with disabilities or a related population required.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Human Services or related filed preferred.
• In lieu of an associate or bachelor's degree, the candidate must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 3 years of experience in Human Services and working with individuals with disabilities.
• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant supported employment, job development, job coaching, and/or vocational support experience required.
• Experience developing partnerships with employers and/or postsecondary educational institutions preferred.
• Must be available and willing to travel to multiple locations throughout the state or affiliate coverage area, sometimes with little notice required.
• Must be available and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed.
• Experience working with the TANF population is preferred.
• Marketing or sales skills preferred.
• Case management and/or documentation knowledge preferred.
• Fluency in a second language (Spanish, ASL) preferred.
• Annual criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, and other required screenings in compliance with ServiceSource, state, and funding agency regulations.
• Valid state driver’s license (per state law) and/or access to reliable transportation for work-related travel required.
• Eligible drivers must maintain a good motor vehicle record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to relate well to people at all levels of an organization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Detail-oriented and able to carry out work with the highest levels of accuracy. A desire to achieve and exceed monthly expectations. Goal oriented and independently motivated. Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to become familiar with corporate specific programs and software such as ZOOM and Microsoft Teams. Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to new information and guidance quickly. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent customer service skills (virtually and face-to-face). Familiarity with the community that the grant is servicing.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee will need to walk within an office setting or virtual. The employee may occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

What We Offer – for Benefit Eligible Employees May Include:

Because ServiceSource hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better, so we offer a comprehensive benefit program which features:

• Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Financial protection with 100% company paid Disability, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
• A 403(b)-Retirement plan in which the company matches dollar for dollar on a generous percentage matching up to 3% of your contribution.
• Tax advantages through Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• To help you manage your work and life needs, we offer an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, and Tuition Assistance.
• A generous paid time-off program in which the benefits increase based on your tenure with the company.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are an E-Verify Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks are required for all employment positions.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information ServiceSource is a 501(c)(3) organization with programs and operations in more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia. ServiceSource has affiliate organizations in Delaware, Florida, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia. Collectively, the organization serves more than 35,000 individuals with disabilities annually through a range of innovative and valued employment, training, habilitation, housing and other support services. Our proven collaborative approach helps foster a community where individuals with disabilities can succeed and thrive. Strategic partnerships with local community businesses, government entities and nonprofits help bridge the gaps for individuals with disabilities, creating sustainable opportunities that benefit the entire community and result in greater independence for the individual.