Employment Specialist - Community Employment Services

Via of the Lehigh Valley; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision and dental benefits

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Retirement plan 403(b)

Flexible Spending Account

Education assistance

Mileage reimbursement

NADSP ladder bonus

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Via of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, PA is actively hiring an Employment Specialist to help individuals discover their talents and interests across Lehigh and Northampton counties. The role offers a base pay rate of $19–$20 per hour, with additional earnings for after-hours and NADSP ladder completion.

Benefits include medical, vision, dental coverage, paid time off, holidays, retirement plan options, FSA, education assistance, mileage reimbursement, and ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 1 year of experience with individuals in community or employment settings preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license, personal vehicle and appropriate insurance.
• Scheduling flexibility including days, some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with transitioning into the workforce by providing career planning, coaching and support.
• Partner with local businesses and employers.
• Provide on-the-job support for participants as needed.
• Assist individuals in obtaining meaningful and competitive employment.
• Maintain appropriate paperwork, completing assessments and entering daily contacts in the agency database.
• Ensure development of employment plans to provide job longevity for participants.
• Network with community businesses to grow placements based on the participant's interests.

Skills

Career planning

Coaching

Support

Networking

Job development

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

Setworks

Paylocity

Microsoft Office

Email

Job description

Join a team that has been recognized as a *Top Workplace* for **FOUR** consecutive years - **2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026**

Via is currently hiring an **Employment Specialist** for Lehigh and Northampton counties to play an integral part in helping individuals discover their talents, abilities and interests.

• Via is now offering an increased pay rate. You will earn a base rate between $19-$20/hour determined by education level. Scheduling flexibility is required and includes days, some evenings and weekends. You will earn an additional $1/hour for every hour worked past 5pm on Monday-Friday and for Saturday and Sunday’s. Additionally, earn up to $1.75 more per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program.

You Will ENJOY The Following When Working At VIA

• Full-Time Monday through Friday schedule. Weekends OFF!
• Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee.
• 15 days (3 weeks) of paid vacation during your first year, increasing to 18 days after completing 1 year of employment.
• 9 paid Holidays. Including YOUR Birthday Holiday and a Floating Cultural Holiday! Via is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce and believes that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other's differences adds quality to our services. To celebrate a commitment to equity and inclusion, Via offers a floating cultural holiday. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
• Education incentive: earn MORE when you obtain a degree or certification.
• Paid Training and mileage reimbursement.
• Professional Development Opportunities: NADSP Career Ladder Program - earn an additional $1.75/hour once all three levels have been completed.
• Casual work attire.
• Employee referral-bonus program.
• Special employee events such as raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards and monthly celebration events.

As An Employment Specialist You Will

• Assist individuals with transitioning into the workforce by providing career planning, coaching and support.
• Partner with local businesses and employers.
• Provide on-the-job support for participants as needed.
• Assist individuals in obtaining meaningful and competitive employment.
• Responsible for maintaining appropriate paperwork, completing assessments and entering daily contacts in the agency database.
• Ensure development of appropriate employment plans to provide job longevity for participants.
• Network with community businesses to grow Community Based Assessment Placements, based on the participant's interests.

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience working with individuals in community or employment settings is preferred.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
• Must have a valid driver's license, personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle insurance.
• Standing, sitting, lifting, walking is required daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required.
• Scheduling flexibility is required and includes days, some evenings and weekends
• Use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email is required daily.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of environments.

***We invest in our team through training, career development and educational assistance. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages the success of the individuals we serve and our employees. This success come from living our values: People, Growth, Teamwork, Community, Diversity, Shared Ideas and Advocacy. Join our team and grow a fulfilling career with us!***

**CHANGE LIVES. WORK FOR VIA.**

Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.