Employment Specialist

Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Telemedicine

Employee Assistance Program

Career advancement

Training program

Wellbeing culture

Job summary

Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services is seeking an Employment Specialist in Springfield, MO. You will develop individualized career plans, place clients in competitive employment, and build strong employer relationships to support job retention and advancement.

The role emphasizes advocacy, community engagement, and educating employers on benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Travel to client sites is expected as part of job development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services.
• Background check including criminal, driving, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Current driver’s license with acceptable driving record and auto insurance.
• Evidence of being free of infectious diseases such as TB prior to and during employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career planning, job development, and retention support.
• Develop employer relationships and connect clients with competitive employment.
• Educate employers on benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and accommodations.
• Travel extensively to conduct job development and client supports.
• Advocate for clients with employers and referral sources, ensuring rights and responsibilities are clear.

Skills

Career planning

Job placement

Employer relationships

Advocacy

Community engagement

Disability services

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description:Job Title: Employment SpecialistLocation: Springfield, MissouriDepartment: Employment ServicesEmployment Type: Full TimeJob Summary:Join our compassionate and collaborative team as an Employment Specialist, where you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop and implement personalized vocational services, helping clients achieve their career goals. We are looking for someone who is dedicated, resourceful, and passionate about empowering others to succeed in the workforce. Your expertise in the local labor market will be invaluable as you create employer relationships and support clients in their job placements. Together, we can foster long-term vocational success and promote inclusivity in the workplace.As an Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:Providing individualized career planning, job placement, and retention support.Marketing clients and services, developing career opportunities, and facilitating connections between clients and employers.The Employment Specialist position offers…All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package - A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, generous paid time off, and more.Telemedicine – 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visits.Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost.Career Advancement & Wage Growth - Grow in your career with great opportunities for upward mobility and added income.Comprehensive Training - Learn and develop skills with our robust on-the-job training.Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement.Key Responsibilities:Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development, and retention services.Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities, and disclosure.Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities, and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, and other stakeholders.Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations.Maintain frequent contact with referral sources to discuss shared clients and identify potential referrals.Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to the supervisor regularly.Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required.An associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.At least one year of experience providing employment services.Additional Qualifications:Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.Must provide evidence that the incumbent is free of infectious and contagious disease, such as TB, prior to beginning employment and annually thereafter.Physical Requirements:Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.Repetitive movements of hands, fingers, and arms for typing and/or writing during work shift.Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.Brightli is on a Mission:Join us in our mission to change and save lives. If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply today!Keywords: Employment Specialist, Vocational Services, Career Planning, Job Placement, Disability Services, Employment Support, Client Advocacy, Community Engagement, Job Development, Inclusive WorkforcePosition Perks & Benefits:Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal lifeEmployee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & moreTop-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportiveCareer mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from withinWelcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happinessBrightli is on a Mission:A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.