Employment Specialist

Department: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Affiliate: RHD
State: Pennsylvania
Reports To: Program Director
EEO Class: 9
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly
Date Prepared: January 2026

Position Purpose

The Employment Specialist provides vocational assessment, job development, job placement, and ongoing employment support services to individuals receiving services. This position assists individuals in identifying career goals, obtaining competitive integrated employment, and achieving long-term job success.

The Employment Specialist supports individuals in overcoming barriers to employment through person-centered planning, advocacy, and skill development. All services are provided in a manner that promotes independence, community inclusion, meaningful participation, and individual recovery.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Employment Services

• Provide vocational assessment, job development, job placement, and job coaching services to program participants.
• Assist individuals in identifying employment interests, strengths, skills, and career goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers and community businesses to identify employment opportunities.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
• Provide individualized job coaching and workplace support based on each person's unique needs.
• Assist individuals in developing workplace skills, appropriate work behaviors, and self-advocacy skills.
• Identify employment barriers and implement strategies to help individuals achieve successful employment outcomes.
• Support individuals pursuing self-employment opportunities as well as traditional employment options.

Individual Support Planning

• Participate in the development, implementation, and review of Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
• Provide recommendations regarding employment goals and support needs.
• Assist individuals in achieving employment-related goals identified in their ISP.
• Monitor progress and document service outcomes in accordance with program requirements.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

• Advocate for individuals seeking employment opportunities and workplace accommodations.
• Educate employers regarding supported employment services and best practices.
• Connect individuals with community resources that support employment success.
• Promote community inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation.

Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintain case records in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Submit reports, service notes, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Provide emergency on-call coverage on a rotational basis, as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required in Human Services, Rehabilitation, Vocational Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Health Services, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing vocational, employment, or rehabilitation services to individuals with behavioral health or intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) populations.
• Experience with person-centered planning, job development, and supported employment preferred.

Licensure and Transportation

• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the service area as needed.

Core Competencies

Person-Centered Service Delivery

• Demonstrates commitment to individual choice, independence, and self-determination.
• Supports individuals in achieving meaningful employment goals.

Communication

• Effectively communicates with individuals, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners.
• Demonstrates active listening and professional written communication skills.

Employment Development

• Builds and maintains relationships with employers and community businesses.
• Demonstrates knowledge of supported employment principles and job coaching techniques.

Advocacy

• Promotes equal employment opportunities and workplace inclusion.
• Assists individuals in accessing resources and overcoming barriers to employment.

Collaboration

• Works effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintains positive relationships with individuals served, coworkers, and community stakeholders.

Organization and Time Management

• Manages multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Completes documentation accurately and timely.

Professionalism and Ethics

• Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions.

Technology

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, electronic documentation systems, email, and internet-based applications.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

General Requirements

• Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and organizational safety standards.
• Adhere to all Fire Safety, HIPAA, Human Resources, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and certifications.
• Maintain professional conduct and sound judgment at all times.

Physical Demands

• Ability to frequently exert up to 20 pounds of force and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and travel between community locations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in office, community, employment, and training settings.
• Environment includes modern office facilities and community-based locations.
• May require travel to multiple sites throughout the service area.

Equipment and Technology

• Telephone (cellular and multi-line systems)
• Computer and related peripherals
• Copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment
• Microsoft Office and agency software applications

Safety and Compliance Knowledge

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-to-Know Regulations
• HIPAA Confidentiality Requirements
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Protocols

Schedule Flexibility

Work schedules are subject to change based on business and program needs. Flexibility to work varying hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and multiple locations may be required.

Recommended Enhancement

Because this is an Employment Specialist role, I would also consider adding:

"Knowledge of Supported Employment, Customized Employment, Discovery, Benefits Counseling, and ODP-funded employment services preferred."

This would better align the position with current Pennsylvania IDD employment services and make it more attractive to qualified candidates.