Employment Specialist

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Care Inc. seeks an Employment Specialist to support clients with mental health conditions and disabilities in achieving competitive, integrated employment.

The role focuses on job readiness, coaching, and coordinating with RSA, DDS, and ACA guidelines to promote independence and long-term success. Work involves office, community-based, and on-site settings across the Washington, DC area, with emphasis on accurate documentation and collaboration with clinical teams to ensure continuity of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with mental health conditions and/or disabilities.
• Experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development preferred.
• Knowledge of RSA, DDS, and ACA guidelines and disability rights.
• Strong understanding of workplace accommodations and employment support strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support to clients with mental health conditions and disabilities.
• Assist clients in job readiness, including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace soft skills.
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in integrated work settings.
• Conduct on-site and community-based coaching to reinforce job duties, workplace expectations, and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborate with employers to ensure reasonable accommodations are implemented in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA).
• Coordinate with RSA, DDS, and other referral sources to ensure continuity of care and service alignment.
• Document all services in compliance with DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) regulations and Medicaid requirements.
• Monitor client progress and provide ongoing feedback to the Employment Specialist and clinical team.
• Assist clients with problem-solving, conflict resolution, and workplace adjustments as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of all services provided.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

RSA guidelines

DDS guidelines

ADA/ ACA compliance

Job description

Life Care Inc. is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Employment Specialist to support individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities in achieving competitive, integrated employment. This position plays a vital role in promoting independence, skill development, and long-term job retention for individuals receiving services under the Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) program.

The Job Coach will work directly with clients, employers, and interdisciplinary teams to provide individualized employment support in accordance with best practices and applicable regulations, including the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) guidelines, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support to clients with mental health conditions and disabilities
• Assist clients in job readiness, including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace soft skills
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in integrated work settings
• Conduct on-site and community-based coaching to reinforce job duties, workplace expectations, and interpersonal skills
• Collaborate with employers to ensure reasonable accommodations are implemented in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA)
• Coordinate with RSA, DDS, and other referral sources to ensure continuity of care and service alignment
• Document all services in compliance with DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and Medicaid requirements
• Monitor client progress and provide ongoing feedback to the Employment Specialist and clinical team
• Assist clients with problem-solving, conflict resolution, and workplace adjustments as needed
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of all services provided

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with mental health conditions and/or disabilities
• Experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development preferred
• Knowledge of RSA, DDS, and ACA guidelines and disability rights
• Strong understanding of workplace accommodations and employment support strategies
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team

Core Competencies

• Client-centered and strengths-based approach
• Knowledge of disability services and employment supports
• Effective communication and advocacy skills
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Cultural competence and professionalism

This position involves a combination of office-based, community-based, and on-site work environments, including employer locations throughout the Washington, DC area.

Compliance Statement

All duties must be performed in accordance with DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) regulations, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) guidelines, Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA), and Life Care Inc. policies and procedures.