First Specialist; HCT III - Grand Junction Regional Center *Western Slope

Please note:

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. This position will be accepting applications from residents and non-residents of Colorado. This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense.

Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC) is a collection of group homes that serves adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who need additional support to stabilize and return to community residential settings. GJRC’s focus is on improving outcomes for individuals with IDD as well as promoting community integration. GJRC has a total of 10 homes nestled throughout established neighborhoods of Grand Valley.

These homes feature warm, comfortable living spaces and private, fenced backyards with recreation equipment.

The Employment First Specialist is responsible for providing individualized employment support services to residents with developmental disabilities, with the goal of securing and sustaining competitive, integrated employment. This role includes job coaching, skills training, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement vocational plans tailored to each individual’s strengths and interests. The specialist ensures a safe, supportive work environment while promoting independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

• Deliver individualized job coaching and skills training to residents with developmental disabilities at community-based work sites
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess residents’ vocational interests, strengths, and support needs
• Develop and implement formal and informal employment plans aligned with each resident’s Service Plan (SP)
• Modify job tasks and environments as needed to promote independence and job success
• Track and document all service hours, support activities, and progress using designated data systems (e.g., Therap)
• Maintain ongoing communication with employers to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns related to resident performance
• Promote gradual worker independence by reducing on-site support as appropriate
• Provide transportation or support in learning transportation skills as needed for job access
• Assist with behavior management, medication administration, and personal care during job support hours when necessary
• Uphold safety, dignity, and rights of all residents at job sites, intervening when necessary to prevent harm

This position is 100% In-Person:
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. Hours are either 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Specific shift assignment will be determined upon hire based on program needs.

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to working with a population with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Must be QMAP trained or hold a valid LPT license

• Dependable, adaptable, and responsible

• Full background check: CDHS employees (all direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification (licensure requirements), drug screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – mental health institutes, regional centers, veterans community living centers) and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting),…