Community Integrated Employment Specialist

Who We Are

At Sertoma Star Services, we’re on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.

Employment Services

Full‑time

As the Community Integrated Employment Specialist, you will work closely with individuals to identify their interests, strengths and goals, and develop tailored job‑development and readiness plans. You’ll conduct ongoing assessments, lead discovery and training activities, and provide hands‑on support in both office and community settings to help consumers secure and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll document progress in the Human Services Management System (HSMS), educate and protect consumer rights, and collaborate with families, providers, and team members to deliver person‑centered services.

• Communicate effectively with consumers using their preferred mode of communication to determine their interests, strengths, wants, and needs.
• Treat consumers with dignity and respect, providing the support needed to achieve maximum independence.
• Complete ongoing assessments to understand consumers’ wants and needs to support community‑integrated employment.
• Use assessment information to guide consumers’ participation in discovery activities and skill development based on their employment needs.
• Provide support and supervision during employment readiness training and discovery activities.
• Develop job‑development plans based on assessment and discovery activities to help consumers obtain community‑integrated employment.
• Advocate for consumers and help them advocate for themselves, as requested.
• Protect consumers’ rights by understanding their rights, educating them about them, and ensuring those rights are not violated.
• Document all supports provided in a timely manner, including daily progress notes, incident reports, injury/illness reports, daily attendance, etc., using HSMS.
• Work cooperatively with all staff, outside providers, and family members/guardians to ensure high‑quality services.
• Transport consumers to and from CDS programs and into the community when needed.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective collaboration with coworkers and consumers.
• Knowledge of working with individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments within prescribed routines and standard practices.
• High school diploma preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and meet agency driving requirements when required for transportation.

• Generous paid time off.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Employer‑paid insurance: basic life/AD&D and long‑term disability.
• Employee assistance program.
• 403(b) with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Sertoma Star is an equal‑opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. In order for you to work effectively and advocate for inclusivity, we must foster an environment respectful and sensitive to people of all gender identities, cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Our open‑door, team‑building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.