Employment Specialist IDD

West Bay RI; Cranston (RI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum Benefits

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Referral bonus

Paid time off

Employee events

Job summary

West Bay RI Employment Services in Rhode Island seeks an Employment Specialist to help individuals with IDD discover strengths, prepare for and obtain meaningful employment, and sustain it through ongoing coaching and advocacy.

This community-based, relationship-driven role emphasizes dignity, person-centered planning, and collaboration with employers to create suited opportunities and support career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Associates Degree preferred in special education, psychology or a related field.
• Minimum one year relevant experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• ACRE Certification or equivalent required.
• Driver's License and vehicle insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Explore individuals' interests, strengths, abilities, preferences, and career goals through interviews, assessments, and hands-on experiences.
• Identify skills, support needs, barriers, and accommodations for workplace success.
• Prepare individuals for employment by building workplace skills, communication, interviewing and professionalism.
• Develop employment opportunities and build relationships with employers and community partners.
• Provide individualized job coaching and ongoing support to promote independence and retention.
• Maintain accurate case notes, service documentation, employer contacts, and progress records.
• Deliver services using a person-centered approach grounded in dignity, respect, choice, and inclusion.

Job description

General Description

As an Employment Specialist, you'll help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) discover their strengths, explore career interests, and achieve greater independence through meaningful employment.

Serving as a vocational mentor, social coach, and community advocate, you'll build relationships with the people we support and local employers to create employment opportunities that align with each individual's interests, abilities, preferences, and goals.

This is a community-based, relationship-driven role focused on helping individuals prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment while building confidence, independence, and workplace skills.

Essential Functions

Essential functions represent the minimum requirements of the position.

Career Exploration & Preparation

• Explore each individual's interests, strengths, abilities, preferences, and career goals through interviews, observation, assessments, and hands-on experiences.
• Identify skills, support needs, potential barriers, and workplace accommodations.
• Prepare individuals for employment by building skills related to workplace expectations, routines, communication, interviewing, and professionalism.
• Provide opportunities to develop workplace skills through volunteering, work trials, on-the-job training, and other community-based experiences.

Job Development & Placement

• Identify and develop employment opportunities that align with each individual's strengths, preferences, capabilities, and career goals.
• Build positive relationships with employers and community partners.
• Use creative negotiation and customized employment strategies to develop meaningful job opportunities and work experiences.
• Assist individuals in obtaining integrated employment consistent with their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Job Coaching & Retention

• Provide individualized job coaching and ongoing support to help individuals learn their responsibilities and succeed in the workplace.
• Promote independence while providing support to address workplace challenges and changing needs.
• Maintain regular communication with employees and employers to monitor satisfaction, address concerns, and promote long-term job retention.

Documentation & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, service documentation, employer contacts, and vocational progress records.
• Document job coaching, skill development, employment activities, and progress toward individual goals.
• Provide all services using a person-centered approach grounded in dignity, respect, choice, and inclusion.

The Impact

As an Employment Specialist, you help turn strengths and potential into real opportunities-supporting individuals in building confidence, independence, community connections, and the pride that comes with meaningful employment.

General Requirements

• Bachelors or Associates Degree preferred in special education, psychology or a related field.
• Minimum of a High school diploma or GED.
• ACRE Certification or equivalent required.
• Minimum one year relevant experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Maintains a valid Driver's License
• Maintains valid vehicle inspection, registration and insurance.

What We Offer You

Full Time: 35 Hours

Schedule: Monday–Friday 9-4 PM Flexibility required

Pay: $23/hourly

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive Platinum Benefits Package valued at $15,000 to $20,000 annually, designed to support your health, financial well-being, and quality of life.

Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance with HMO and PPO options, a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Delta Dental, Eye Med Vision Insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and agency-sponsored life insurance. You'll also receive four vacation time, sick time, holiday pay, and a 401(k) retirement plan, along with AFLAC supplemental coverage options for accident, cancer, and life insurance. Employees may also take advantage of up to $2,400 annually in tuition reimbursement, providing valuable support for continued professional growth.

Additional perks include pet insurance, identity theft protection, and a $1,000 employee referral bonus. We also believe in celebrating our team and offer employee appreciation and celebration events throughout the year.

EEO