Employment Specialist

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs; we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better.  

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you! 

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below: 

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid training 
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision 
• Life insurance 
• 403(b) with company contribution 5% 
• Tuition reimbursement 

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed.  

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Department: Employment Services

Status: Full-Time, NonExempt (hourly)

Reports To: Community Employment Manager

Starting Compensation Pay: $18.35/hr

PURPOSE: The Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities in locating, obtaining, and maintaining competitive integrated employment. This role focuses on developing business partnerships within the community to promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while providing direct employment supports designed to help individuals achieve independence in the workplace. This position operates primarily in the field and requires a highly organized, self-motivated professional who enjoys building community connections and supporting individuals in achieving their employment goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist individuals with disabilities in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community partners to create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Conduct business development activities to establish and strengthen community partnerships.
• Provide individualized employment services and supports at community job sites.
• Assist individuals in developing workplace skills and achieving greater independence in employment settings.
• Monitor progress and provide ongoing support to ensure successful job retention.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to services provided.
• Protect the confidentiality of all client and agency information.
• Coordinate services with employers, consumers, families, and community stakeholders.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate consumer work schedules.
• Operate independently while managing a diverse caseload and community-based responsibilities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED:

Degree/Field Required: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Additional Fields of Knowledge Important for the Role:

• Knowledge of disability services and supports.
• Understanding of competitive integrated employment principles.
• Familiarity with workforce development practices.
• Knowledge of local employers, business communities, and community resources.
• Understanding of individualized employment supports and job coaching strategies.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional ethics.

Experience Required:

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience building relationships and partnerships within the community.
• Experience maintaining professional standards and handling sensitive information.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in community-based, competitive integrated employment settings.
• Familiarity with businesses and community resources in Monroe, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Manager-Specific: N/A

Basic: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively document services, communicate with employers, and maintain professional correspondence. Ability to organize work independently, manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and complete responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Social: Excellent interpersonal relationship-building skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive partnerships with consumers, employers, families, and community organizations. Demonstrated professionalism, patience, positive attitude, and commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: Ability to assess employment-related challenges, develop practical solutions, exercise sound judgment, and independently resolve standard to moderately complex issues while escalating highly complex situations when appropriate.

Resource Management: Ability to manage time effectively, coordinate schedules, maintain accurate records, organize community-based activities, and prioritize workload across multiple employment sites and consumer needs.

Technical: Ability to maintain service documentation, track employment outcomes, utilize employment-related resources, and effectively support individuals in various workplace environments.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, email systems, and electronic recordkeeping systems.

Expert Computer Skills In: N/A

Trauma-Informed: Demonstrates a trauma-informed approach by recognizing the impact of trauma, fostering trust and empowerment, maintaining a strengths-based perspective, and supporting individuals with dignity, respect, and person-centered practices.

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required. 

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.