Starting Rate: $21.50

This is a temporary position for 4-6 months, with the potential to go to a permanent position.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in securing and maintaining employment.  Support includes guiding individuals in placement planning through training, assessment, facilitate employee workplace integration, and provide job site support as needed. The Employment Specialist is responsible for maintaining ongoing verbal and written communication with the employer, employee and with each individual’s support team, to facilitate job modifications / accommodations as necessary and to ensure that a whole life focus to services is provided.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. 

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.   

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive. 

• Complete individual intake interviews, assessments, and orientation to program services.
• Assist in developing and implementing job placement plans for program participants.
• Complete job analysis of potential job opportunities.
• Facilitate the interviewing process with individuals and perspective employers.
• Work with employers, individuals and support teams to identify training and support needs; provide job site supports as needed to remove any barriers to successful employment.
• Solicit feedback from employers regarding individual’s work performance and adjust support plans as necessary.
• Coordinate individual’s transportation to and from work. Provide transportation as necessary.
• Maintain close coordination of services with Advocates BH Res ACCS and DS & BI Res service lines for individuals receiving those supports.
• Maintain individual records as required including timely and thorough completion of all necessary program assignments, progress reports, billing requirements, and other required documents per agency timelines.
• Assist individuals with personal care and daily living skills as needed program meetings and supervision.

• BA/BS degree in a related field with 1-year experience working with individuals with Intellectual/Developmentally Disabled, Brain Injury or Behavioral Health issues or 2 years’ experience working in a behavioral health setting with individuals within DS/BI or Mental Health field
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Strong computer knowledge.
• High energy level, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to function independently and in a team atmosphere
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations
• Must be able to multi-task with frequently changing priorities.
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license.  Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport consumers.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.