Employment Specialist/Job Coach

DDRC Employment Services; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 31,684 - 34,853; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits - $30/month

401(k) - 3% employer match

Vacation/Sick Accrual

Holiday Pay

Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

DDRC Employment Services in Arvada, Colorado, seeks an Employment Specialist to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accessing and advancing in competitive employment.

The role focuses on developing strong partnerships with employers and community organizations, ensuring successful outcomes in job placements through effective coaching and support. Ideal candidates will have experience in related fields and the ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in employment services, human services, vocational support preferred.
• Must communicate effectively and manage documentation accurately.
• Adaptability to changing work settings and schedules is required.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.
• Develop partnerships with local employers and workforce groups.
• Achieve measurable milestones through effective job development and coaching.

Skills

Experience supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

Ability to build positive working relationships

Effective communication (verbal and writing)

Ability to manage competing priorities

Willingness to obtain required training

Job description

Schedule

36-hour work week, flexibility needed to accommodate job seekers and employers, which may include evenings and weekends.

Compensation

$23.00-$25.30/hour

Benefits

• Medical Benefits - $30/month for an individual (opportunity to add dependents) $750 deductible, 100% covered after.
• Vision
• 401(k) - 3% employer match
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vacation/Sick Accrual
• Holiday Pay
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Program

Job Responsibilities

The Employment Specialist supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in exploring, entering and advancing in competitive integrated employment. This role promotes Employment First principles by developing strong partnerships with local employers and workforce groups. Working within an outcome-based supported employment model, the Employment Specialist is responsible for achieving measurable milestones such as completing discovery, job placement, and job stabilization. Success in this role requires effective job development, timely follow‑through, high‑quality coaching, and ongoing collaboration with employers, job seekers, and support teams.

What You Bring to the Role

• Experience supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or in employment services, human services, vocational support, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with job seekers, employers, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to complete required documentation accurately and timely.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to obtain required training and certifications, including Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certification, within established timeframes.
• Work is performed in office and community-based settings, including employment sites and other locations relevant to service delivery. The position involves supporting people in their work environments and requires adaptability to changing settings, schedules, individual support needs, and travel between service locations throughout the workday.
• The role involves regular interaction with people supported, coworkers, employers, and community members throughout the workday and the use of technology to support communication and documentation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

DDRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

DDRC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.