Employment Specialist

Rock Creek Foundation; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) / 403(b) with company match

Health insurance

Paid time off

Birthday leave

Training & growth

Culture of purpose

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Wellness programs

Recognition & rewards

Exclusive discounts

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Legal assistance

Pet insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Rock Creek Foundation seeks an Employment Specialist to positively impact individuals with mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities. You will evaluate applicants, coordinate job readiness, and collaborate with medical and professional staff to identify suitable employment options.

The role requires strong communication, independence, and a compassionate approach. Schedule is Monday–Friday with a competitive benefits package designed to support work‑life balance and professional

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus experience with adults who have mental health needs or disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with clients and agencies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliability and accountability required.

Responsibilities

• Interview and evaluate applicants for suitability and eligibility for services.
• Coordinate training or study plans to enhance job readiness.
• Develop and monitor treatment and rehabilitation plans with clients.
• Assist clients in accessing medical and social services and other employment supports.
• Maintain liaison with clients, staff, and external partners to support successful placements.

Skills

Compassionate

Excellent communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Background checks

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Employment Specialist Wanted!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with mental health diagnosis and co-occurring disabilities? Join our team at Rock Creek where passion drives everything we do!

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 you'll be at the heart of our mission. You'll have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our consumers every single day. You'll play a vital role in helping our consumers achieve their goals and dreams. You’ll also be the guiding light that illuminates the path to a brighter future for our clients. From celebrating victories big and small to offering a shoulder to lean on during challenging times, you'll be the heartbeat of hope that fuels their journey toward independence and fulfillment.

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

• Acceptor recommend acceptance of suitable candidates
• Determine suitable job or business consistent with applicant's desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations
• Plan and arrange for applicant to study or train for job
• Responsible for completing treatment plans as needed with clients, and implements treatment plans with client
• Organize and conduct support group and vocational groups as needed
• Endeavor to place individual in gainful employment after acquisition of marketable skills
• Resolve work related problems or difficulties, and assigns individual to simpler tasks when worker cannot perform assigned duties
• Observe worker to ensure that work is performed according to prescribed methods and meets established standards
• Maintain working relationships with staff of other agencies and institutions, homes, facilities, and acts as liaison between clients and agency/ institution
• Acts as liaison between clients and their supervisor and co-workers
• Help clients understand mental illness and how it affects their health, lifestyles, and employment
• Determine suitable job or business consistent with applicant's desires, aptitudes, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations.
• Plan and arranges for applicants to study or train for job
• Assist applicant with personal adjustment throughout rehabilitation program
• Aid applicant in obtaining medical and social services during training
• Aid applicants in obtaining additional employment services from DOR’s (Division of Rehabilitation Services)
• Responsible for the accurate and timely billing of all services to DOR’s and credible wireless
• Responsible for the accurate and timely completion of authorizations for services in Value Options
• Attends mandatory meetings
• 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 andhave 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 mental health and intellectual disabilities.
• Must be able to work individually as well as within a team. Must be able to multi-task.
• Must be able to work with “high-risk” consumers who have mental illnesses as well as developmental and physical disabilities..

Qualifications

• Compassionate and caring nature
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting.

What We Offer

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

• Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
• Salary Range:$40,000 - $43,000
• 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.
• Celebrate You- Enjoy yourbirthday 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 theCalm App.
• Recognition & Rewards– Through ourAwardcoplatform andreferral program.
• Exclusive Discounts– Enjoy deals throughFunExand more.
• Comprehensive Insurance–
• 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