Employment Specialist

Community Counseling Services

Job Description

An Employment Specialist serves as a vital connector between job seekers and community employers, providing tailored support, coaching, and guidance to help clients achieve their employment goals. Teaching confidence while motivating clients from diverse backgrounds to overcome barriers and succeed in workforce development initiatives. Implement job development and placement for participants to include individuals with disabilities or participants with barriers to employment by providing them with case management, establishing and determining plan compliance, initiating action to aid individuals or families to become self-sufficient, and counseling program participants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High School Diploma required. Must be willing to obtain Employment Specialist Certification through CCS and Voc Rehab.

Certificates, licenses, registrations

Valid South Dakota Driver’s license & ability to be bonded
Must not be excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and any Federal health care program, as provided by the OIG, USDHHS.

Other qualifications

Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
A strong commitment to working as an integral part of a team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/CRITICAL JOB ELEMENTS

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ skills, interests, and employment barriers to develop personalized employment plans.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and training to clients, including resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills development.
Build strong relationships with local employers to identify job openings and facilitate successful placements for clients.
Assist clients with navigating employment laws, labor regulations, and workplace rights to ensure compliance and informed decision-making.
Support clients from underserved communities and individuals with disabilities or developmental disabilities by offering specialized case management and social services.
Maintain detailed documentation of client progress, service plans, and job placement outcomes using Microsoft Office tools.
Collaborate with community organizations, social workers, educators, and other stakeholders to expand workforce development programs and outreach efforts.
Compile and submit quarterly reports in the format prescribed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Skills

Deep understanding of employment & labor law as it relates to diverse populations.
Proven experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or other special needs.
Excellent written communication skills for report writing, client documentation, and program materials.
Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse communities and underserved populations.
Experience in workforce development programs including recruiting, training & development, mentoring, and coaching.
Skilled in interviewing techniques, client communication strategies, and client advocacy.Capable of managing multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.