Employment Specialist

Shore-Community-Services; Morton Grove (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Shore Community Services, Inc. is hiring an Employment Specialist to connect individuals with competitive community employment and support long-term career success.

The role includes building relationships with local employers, conducting assessments, resume coaching, and hands-on onboarding support. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, or Psychology, and experience with IDD or community job development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or in community job development/coaching preferred.
• Strong communication, networking, time management, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Job Development & Placement: Build relationships with local businesses to secure competitive opportunities.
• Vocational Assessment & Training: Conduct assessments, assist with resume prep and interview coaching.
• On-the-Job Coaching & Support: Provide coaching during onboarding and adjust support as needed.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain records and complete billing/service documentation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with families, teams, and employer partners for coordinated support.

Skills

Communication

Networking

Time management

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology)

Job description

Join Our Team: Employment Specialist

Organization: Shore Community Services, Inc.

Location: Skokie, IL

Position Type: Full-Time | Hourly (Grade 3)

Make a Lasting Impact!

Are you passionate about creating inclusive employment opportunities and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? At Shore Community Services, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve meaningful employment and independence. We are seeking a dedicated, goal-oriented Employment Specialist to connect individuals with competitive community employment and support them in achieving long-term career success.

Key Responsibilities

• Job Development & Placement: Build strong relationships with local businesses and community employers to identify, develop, and secure competitive job opportunities tailored to individual strengths and career goals.
• Vocational Assessment & Training: Conduct individualized assessments, assist job seekers with resume preparation, interview coaching, and soft-skills development.
• On-the-Job Coaching & Support: Provide hands-on job coaching and support during onboarding and initial training, tapering support as the individual gains confidence and autonomy.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain detailed records, complete required billing/service documentation, and track individual progress in alignment with agency and state funding compliance standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with families, interdisciplinary teams, employer partners, and community agency representatives to ensure coordinated support.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience: Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or in community job development/coaching preferred.

Skills: Strong communication, networking, time management, and documentation skills.

Requirements: Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and successful completion of background checks.

Why Shore Community Services?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Supportive, collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to make a direct, transformative difference in people’s lives every day.

Shore Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.