Employment Support Professional

Life’sWork of Western PA; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Life’sWork of Western PA is seeking an Employment Support Professional to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other barriers to employment. You will help clients acquire, maintain, and enhance work-related skills and work at various sites, including the organization’s production facility and partner workplaces.

You will learn and apply Individual Support Plans, maintain confidentiality, and support client outcomes through daily interactions, documentation, and

Qualifications

• Strong communication and customer support skills to engage clients, employers, and community partners effectively.
• Analytical skills to assess client needs, interpret data, and develop employment support plans.
• Technical support and troubleshooting abilities to assist clients with workplace technologies and digital tools used in job search.
• Ability to provide thoughtful problem-solving and adaptable guidance in diverse workplace situations.
• Experience in human services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or related fields is beneficial.
• Knowledge of disability services, community resources, and employment best practices is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain confidential records.
• A high school diploma or GED is required. A secondary degree in psychology, social services, or related field is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel within the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all program areas: facility, community, and small group staffing locations.
• May transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles.
• Complete daily documentation of implementation and progress towards the participant’s goals and activities.
• Support the achievement of the participant’s personal outcomes and goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participant’s support plan.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Contribute information regarding the participant’s progress for support team meetings when requested.
• Engage with participants daily to facilitate growth and opportunities.
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist participants’ needs.
• Provide a person-centered environment that fosters advancement and transition.
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior.
• Engage with all participants in a positive, respectful, and productive manner.
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 credit hours of training per year.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Analytical skills

Technical support

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in psychology/social services (preferred)

Job description

Life’sWork of Western PA is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to live the life they choose through meaningful employment and skill development. The organization partners with people with disabilities, individuals facing employment barriers, and young adults to strengthen workplace abilities, build life skills, and foster supportive relationships. Since 1927, Life’sWork has helped more than 100,000 people of all ages move toward independence and self-sufficiency. Serving over 2,000 clients annually, the organization supports youth, adults, and families experiencing economic challenges or transitions off public assistance. Life’sWork envisions compassionate, inclusive, and equitable communities where everyone has access to high-quality, innovative rehabilitation and employment services.

Role Description

Employment Support Professional at Life’sWork is responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or individuals facing other barriers to employment. An Employment Support Professional will assist our clients to acquire, maintain, and enhance skills required to secure and carry out work-related activities. The Employment Support Professional will work at a variety of work sites, including Life’sWork’s own production facility as well as in a wide range of businesses and organizations through our small group staffing program. Employment Support Professionals are responsible for learning and applying the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and maintaining confidentiality.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all of our program areas: facility, community, and in small group staffing locations
• May transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles
• Complete daily documentation of implementation and progress towards the participant’s goals and activities based on the care plan
• Support the achievement of the participant’s personal outcomes and goals
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participant’s support plan
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Contribute information regarding the participant’s progress for support team meetings when requested
• Engage with participants on a daily basis to facilitate growth for learning and opportunities
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist the needs of participants; for example, assisting them with the vending machine or walking them to the bathroom
• Provide a person-centered environment that fosters advancement and transition
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior
• Engage with all participants in a positive, respectful, and productive manner on a regular basis
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 credit hours of training per year

Qualifications

• Strong communication and customer support skills to engage clients, employers, and community partners effectively.
• Analytical skills to assess client needs, interpret data, and develop appropriate employment support plans.
• Technical support and troubleshooting abilities to assist clients with workplace technologies and digital tools used in job search and employment.
• Ability to provide thoughtful problem-solving and adaptable guidance in diverse workplace situations.
• Experience in human services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or related fields is beneficial.
• Knowledge of disability services, community resources, and employment best practices is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain accurate, confidential records.
• A high school diploma or GED is required. A secondary degree in psychology, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel within the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as required.