Employment Specialist II

Lifeworks Services Inc; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 61,606,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 18 days

11 paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA/FSA

Tuition reimbursement

403(b) retirement plan

EAP

Job summary

Lifeworks Services is seeking an Employment Specialist II to support individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment. This full-time role focuses on case management, direct coaching, and community outreach in the Mankato area.

You will collaborate with DHS guidelines and local partners, maintain documentation, and participate in ongoing professional development to improve outcomes and services.

Qualifications

• Associates degree and two years of experience in the human service field.
• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of four years of education and experience preferred.
• Fluent in English, verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of individuals with disabilities at various career stages.
• Provide direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment.
• Provide follow-up and ongoing support to ensure individuals maintain employment and meet goals.
• Support clients in navigating workplace challenges and advocating for reasonable accommodations.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with community partners to expand inclusive opportunities.
• Provide job search opportunities to help individuals obtain employment of their choosing.
• Utilize the E1MN framework to deliver person-centered services.
• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers and partners to enhance opportunities.
• Develop and implement individualized employment and support plans aligned with client goals and policies.
• Track progress and ensure compliance with CARF and DHS standards.
• Train staff to implement outcomes and support strategies.

Skills

Fluent in English

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Title: Employment Specialist II

Department: Employment Services

Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Mankato

Compensation: $20 - $21.50 per hour

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

What we offer employees:

Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why work at Lifeworks:

Lifeworks is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive, and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate, and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in our communities.

You’ll succeed in this role if you:

• Are capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Meet the standards of a Designated Coordinator.
• Understand and communicate written and verbal directions.
• Have regular attendance, reliability and punctuality is necessary to meet the needs of the business.
• Are well organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Work independently with excellent time management skills.
• Work effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Establish and cultivate strong relationships.
• Take initiative and strengthen relationships with current and new community partners.
• Must pass a background study with the Department of Human Services, a drug test, clean driving record and have reliable transportation to use for work driving purposes (e.g., in-office, on-site training locations, etc.).

How you’ll be spending your time:

• Managing a caseload of individuals with disabilities at various stages of their careers, including those seeking employment, those in early career stages, and those needing support to maintain or advance in their current jobs.
• Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment.
• Providing follow-up and ongoing support to ensure individuals maintain employment and meet their professional goals.
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers.
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to the most inclusive employment and social opportunities for individuals.
• Providing job search opportunities as needed to help individuals obtain employment of their choosing.
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to ensure effective and person-centered services.
• Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals.
• Developing and implementing individualized employment and support plans that align with clients’ goals and preferences, in accordance with MN DHS 245D, Rule 9554 guidelines, VRS policies, and Extended Employment policies.
• Tracking and documenting client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including CARF standards, and reporting on outcomes.
• Training other staff to implement outcomes, goals, and support strategies. Ensuring adherence to all relevant policies, including but not limited to DHS 245D, 9554, and CARF guidelines.
• Arranging and/or providing necessary transportation to and from businesses and community locations in conjunction with other staff and team members.
• Managing billable time and ensuring billing is completed accurately and timely.
• Attending regular team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy changes, and service delivery standards.
• Following safety procedures and assisting in identifying safety needs for self and others. Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associates degree and two years of experience in the human service field.
• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of four years of education and experience preferred.
• Fluent in English, verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Equity Statement:

Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We appreciate the vibrancy of differences, center the voices of silenced and marginalized people, and champion universal rights.

Lifeworks Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need an accommodation to apply or participate in an interview, please contact us at [e-mail] or 651-454-2732, and we will be happy to support you.