Employment Specialist (Lake County)

Aspire Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Aspire Chicago is seeking an Employment Specialist to help adults with disabilities secure competitive, community-based jobs, building confidence and independence.

You will partner with employers, prepare individuals with tailored supports, and guide them through job placement, retention, and ongoing coaching.

This role emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and requires strong communication, organization, and a passion for meaningful outcomes in Chicago.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's preferred.
• Minimum three years of related work experience.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience with adults with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop resumes and cover letters; build job search networks.
• Conduct assessments to aid job matching.
• Create Individual Placement Plans and support placement.
• Screen employer requirements to match skills.
• Provide transportation training and arrange transport as needed.
• Offer ongoing job coaching and retention support.
• Maintain case files and document progress.
• Build partnerships with employers and community resources.
• Support organizational quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with training and employment teams.

Skills

Communication

Interviewing

Relationship-building

Organization

Transportation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s preferred

Job description

Description

Empower potential. Build pathways. Drive real employment outcomes.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

At Aspire, we believe meaningful employment changes lives. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving and retaining competitive, community-based employment while helping individuals build confidence, independence, and meaningful careers.

Working collaboratively with an integrated training and employment team, you’ll prepare individuals for job placement, provide individualized support that promotes long-term retention, and assist with employment consulting engagements. You’ll also partner with employers to help create welcoming workplaces where individuals can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

This is more than a job coaching role—it’s a chance to open doors, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and the communities they are part of.

What You’ll Do

Support Individuals on Their Employment Journey

• Support individuals by following individualized plans for seeking employment, including: developing resumes and cover letters, building job search networks (including online networking), conducting job searches, identifying job leads, completing and submitting applications, practicing interview skills, and supporting job-related communications.
• Conduct assessments, when necessary, to determine an individual\'s skills and abilities to assist in the job matching process
• Develop and execute an Individual Placement Plan with each individual
• Assist individuals in securing community employment by screening employer requirements and individual skills to create successful job matches
• Conduct job analyses with attention to job details and environmental and social factors
• Create adaptive supports as needed, including but not limited to checklists, social stories, visual prompts, and other aids
• Create support fade-out plans
• Provide transportation training (e.g., how to use public transportation and/or rideshare) and provide transportation as needed

Provide Job Coaching & Ongoing Employment Support

• Provide ongoing job support to ensure successful placements while developing natural supports at each community-based work location
• Serve as a liaison between employers and individuals at the worksite
• Provide transitional job coaching and continued coaching as needed
• Provide job retention support as needed

Manage Caseloads & Documentation

• Manage a caseload of job seekers and maintain/update case files per requirements
• Document participant progress and activities through case notes, job coaching reports, staffing reports, and progress reports
• Attend team meetings and staffings per Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) requirements
• Complete reporting and service requirements of the DRS contract

Build Employer & Community Partnerships

• Maintain awareness of the local job market and employment opportunities across various industries
• Market Aspire’s employment services with employers and referral sources
• Execute components of inclusive employment consulting engagements

Support Organizational Excellence

• Cooperate with compliance and quality improvement initiatives and protocols
• Perform other duties deemed necessary and within the scope of the position as assigned

Who You Are

• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write reports
• Able to maintain confidential information
• Able to deal tactfully, engagingly, and courteously with individuals, employees at all levels, families, and the general public
• Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and accountability
• Able to think independently and navigate ambiguity
• A relationship builder who develops and maintains positive interpersonal relationships with people supported, consumers, providers, Aspire employees, and community partners
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask, prioritize work, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• An independent worker capable of establishing priorities and managing multiple competing tasks

Why Aspire?

• Make a direct, visible impact on people’s lives every day
• Lead a program that blends innovation, hands-on learning, and real employment outcomes
• Be part of a mission-driven organization that values growth, collaboration, and purpose
• Help individuals achieve independence, confidence, and meaningful careers

Full-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you\'re driven to lead with purpose and create real opportunities for others, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor\'s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum three (3) years of related work experience
• Valid driver\'s license with a good driving record required
• Reliable mode of transportation and proof of insurance required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities