Employment Specialist

Rock Creek Foundation; Fairland (MD); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Birthday off

Training & growth

Wellness programs

Job summary

The Rock Creek Foundation in Silver Spring, MD is seeking an Employment Specialist to deliver clinical, casework and vocational services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will interview candidates, build rehabilitation plans, and coordinate with DOR and community partners to advance client employment goals.

Strong communication and compassionate care are essential, as you support clients toward independence and meaningful work within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma (or equivalent) and two years’ experience with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license with minimal points and access to a vehicle for work.
• Ability to work with high‑risk consumers who have mental illnesses as well as disabilities.
• Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Interview and evaluate applicants to determine eligibility for services and vocational rehabilitation.
• Develop rehabilitation plans and assist individuals to reach personal and vocational goals.
• Coordinate meetings with DOR’s counselor and other staff to secure intake and orientation.
• Maintain case records and prepare reports, with timely updates in EMR.
• Secure job leads and develop relationships with potential community-based employers.
• Provide onboarding support and assist individuals in maintaining employment.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Compassionate nature

Disabilities experience

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Employment Specialist Wanted!

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Employment Specialist

CLS Administrative Silver Spring, MD, US

Salary: $45,000.00 Annually

About Us:

At Rock Creek, we believe in empowering individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. We provide comprehensive support services to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and co-occurring disorders, fostering their growth, independence, and happiness. At Rock Creek, we're not just a team – we're a family driven by love, compassion, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to live a life filled with purpose and joy.

Your Mission:

As an Employment Specialist at Rock Creek Foundation your mission is to provides clinical, casework, vocational, and group work services to consumers and their families, while coordinating training to improve vocational skills of disabled individuals by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.

Why Join Us:

• Make a Difference:Experience the joy of knowing that your work directly improves the lives of others.
• Rewarding Work:Be part of a supportive team environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.
• Personal Growth:Receive ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Work-Life Balance:Enjoy flexible scheduling options that allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Passionate Community:Join a passionate community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

What You'll Do:

Interview and evaluate DDA and MHA applicants/candidates, and confer with medical and professional personnel to determine type and degree of disability, eligibility for service, and feasibility of vocational rehabilitation

• Assesses individuals' social, emotional, financial, health, vocational, or other problems to develop rehabilitation treatment plan, or PCP goals.
• Facilitates and completes the initial process (Discovery process) with individuals interested in employment.
• Implements treatment plans with individual, while assisting the individual to reach their personal and vocational goals.
• Counsel individuals, assisting them to identify and resolve problems and make effective use of resources.
• Endeavors to place individual in gainful employment after acquisition of marketable skills.
• Assist individuals with any onboarding needs once competitive community-based employment has been secured.
• Resolve work related problems or difficulties and assigns individual to simpler tasks when worker cannot perform assigned duties.
• Organizes and conducts support groups and vocational groups as needed.
• Observes worker to ensure that work is performed according to prescribed methods and meets established standards.
• Maintains working relationships with staff of other agencies and institutions, homes, facilities, and acts as liaison between individuals and agency/ institution.
• Acts as liaison between individuals and their supervisor and co-workers.
• Helps individuals understand mental illness and how it affects their health, lifestyles, and employment.
• Reviews evaluation made on individual to ascertain type of work recommended and limitations due to specific disability.
• Prepares and maintains written case records, reports, performs case follow-up and closing, and performs other administrative tasks as required.
• Determines suitable job or business consistent with applicant's desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
• Assists applicant with personal adjustment throughout rehabilitation program.
• Aids applicant in obtaining medical and social services during training.
• Determines DOR’s eligibility; Assist individuals with completing DOR’s application.
• Coordinates meeting with individuals and DOR’s counselor to secure intake and orientation.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely billing of all services to DOR’s and iCM (DDA LTSS billing)
• Works directly with Case Manager, Life Coach, family, individual, etc., to identify additions and/or changes to annual Person-Centered Plan to reflect all needed services to maximize funding.
• Maintains records of progress toward DOR’s goal
• Secure job leads for individuals seeking employment, identifying, and developing professional relationships with potential community-based employers.
• Write and submit incident reports for department and submit in Electronic Medical Record within 24 hours of incident occurring per agency and State policy on reportable incidents.
• Oversees Quality Assurance measures at all assigned licensed sites.
• Adheres to all County, State DDA, MHA, and MBON policies and procedures.
• Ensures accurate and timely daily submission of individuals attendance in Electronic Medical Record per agency, State Medicaid, and DDA Policy and Procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring staffing schedules and ratios are complying per individual’s plan/treatment plan.
• Check’s work email at the beginning and end of each shift
• Participate in and successfully completes all required trainings
• Other duties as assigned

What We Require:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with no more than3 points and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Must have proof of car insurance.
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual disabilities and or developmental disabilities.
• Must be able to work with “high-risk” consumers who have mental illnesses as well as development or intellectual disabilities as well as physical.
• We expect all staff to have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service.
• Must be able to effectively and professionally communicate with other staff and individuals served.

Qualifications:

• Compassionate and caring nature.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred).
• Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting.

What We Offer

At The Rock Creek Foundation, you’re not just an employee — you’re a valued change agent. Here’s what you can expect:

• Schedule:
• Annual Salary Rate: $45,000
• Robust Retirement Plan – 403(b) with company match to support your future.
• Health Coverage That Cares – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Time to Recharge – Generous paid time off and parental leave.
• Celebrate You – Enjoy your birthday off every year!
• Training & Growth – Ongoing development programs and career advancement opportunities.
• Culture of Purpose – A welcoming, inclusive environment where you belong.
• Tuition Reimbursement – Invest in your education, and we’ll support you.
• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support for life's challenges.
• Wellness Perks – Annual wellness initiatives and access to the Calm App.
• Recognition & Rewards – Through our Awardco platform and referral program.
• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy deals through FunEx and more.
• Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Optional legal assistance and transferable life insurance.
• Pet insurance for your furry family.
• Ancillary plans like critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.
• Financial Flexibility – Flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help with healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Disclaimers:

Rock Creek Foundation aspires to create an organization that places value on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. To achieve this success, it is essential that all members of our organization feel secure, welcomed, and respected. All members of our organization have a responsibility to uphold these values. Rock Creek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Rock Creek Foundation participates in E-Verify. http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf