Career Catalyst Employment Support Specialist II; Job Coach

Brief Description

At The Arc Baltimore, our Career Catalyst Employment Support Specialists (ESS II’s) play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live enriched, vibrant, and self-directed lives. ESS’ empower the people we support to overcome challenges, build independence, and fully participate in the activities and experiences that matter most to them.

Our specialty is Life Design—championing each individual’s unique goals and aspirations. We are committed to designing lives that are vibrant, colorful, joyful, and rooted in purpose and belonging. This work is made possible by hiring exceptional Employment Support Specialists who lead with passion and dedication.

Founded in 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been a trusted and indispensable community resource for more than 75 years. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including employment training and support, day and residential services, family education and support, treatment foster care, assistive technology, respite services, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

Our full-time and part-time employees deliver services in people’s homes, workplaces, day centers, and neighborhoods throughout the community.

The Career Catalyst Employment Support Specialist II (ESS II) facilitates employment-focused, community-based activities, and provides support and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities participating in The Arc Baltimore’s Career Catalyst program. The Career Catalyst ESSII is an important role that maximizes community participation, inclusion, and increased independence for people supported through planned outings and activities based on their interests and employment goals.

Career exploration and employment-related skill building opportunities can take various forms, such as attending financial literacy classes at a bank, taking public transportation, visiting businesses for informational tours, assisting with resume development, submitting applications and interview assistance, and participating in volunteer activities. The Career Catalyst ESSII generally works with a group of up to 4 people but may support a person individually for job interviews and if employment is secured.

This position often interacts with families and internal and external members of a supported person’s team.

• Promote and ensure adherence to agency mission to support people lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
• Ensure all people receiving support are treated with dignity and respect.
• Provide guidance and actively support people to ensure successful participation in activities of their choosing and achievement of their goals based on their person-centered plan.
• Act as a role model, mentor, and trainer for people seeking employment and the development and maintenance of skills and increased independence related to community membership.
• Work independently and with the Career Catalyst team to create partnerships that will further employment-related opportunities and experiences for people participating in Career Catalyst.
• Participate in the coordination, scheduling and execution of daily activities.
• Daily, take public transportation or drive personal vehicle, as appropriate, to transport people supported to activities in the community.
• Complete accurate and quality daily documentation and reporting related to people’s activities and progress towards goals.
• Ensure the health and safety needs of the people we support are met in all environments and situations.
• As appropriate, develop individualized job placements that match the person’s vocational interests, skills and needs. Provide assistance with interviews.
• For people who obtain employment, provide onboarding assistance, and individualized intensive job support(s) such as teaching new job skills through systematic instruction, modeling and training in interpersonal skills for the workplace,…