Employment Specialist; DIF Grant funded

Employment Specialist (DIF Grant funded)

Linn‑Mar Community School District High School - Marion, Iowa open in Google Maps. This job is also posted in Teach Iowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs.

Job : 5379002
Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
Re‑Posted: Jan 07, 2026 7:02 PM (UTC)
Position Type: Full‑time

Position Title:

DIF Employment Specialist

Immediate Supervisor:
Building Principal or Designee

The DIF Employment Specialist supports students in developing work skills through on‑campus and off‑campus opportunities utilizing the Customized Employment model. This position must establish a collaborative and inclusive environment with community service providers and business partners. The DIF Employment Specialist will collaborate with different special education teachers with a determined roster, focusing on students with unmet working needs.

• Assess students’ abilities, interests, and skills to identify suitable employment opportunities through both familiar and exploratory experiences, following the principles of the Customized Employment model.
• Conduct informational interviews and business tours to evaluate employer needs and identify potential job opportunities aligned with student strengths.
• Develop individualized employment plans that reflect each student’s goals, support needs, and career aspirations.
• Facilitate the development of social capital by identifying and engaging with relevant social networks to support students in building meaningful employment connections.
• Advocate for students by presenting their strengths and potential contributions to employers, aligning individual capabilities with organizational needs.
• Provide on‑site job training to students, focusing on communication, workplace readiness, and job‑specific skills to ensure successful integration into the work environment.
• Collaborate with employers to enhance natural supports and leverage existing training programs, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes for students.
• Participate in IEP meetings and other parent conferences to share information about customized employment services and student progress.
• Deliver person‑centered training and support to students placed in community‑based employment settings.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided, in compliance with program and funding requirements.
• Assist in job placement by aligning student preferences and competencies with appropriate job opportunities.
• Offer ongoing job coaching and development services to meet the evolving needs of both students and employers.
• Foster and maintain professional relationships with employers, families, and community partners.
• Support the implementation of reasonable accommodations at job sites to promote student success.
• Regularly assess and report on students’ vocational interests, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Collaborate with teachers, students & families, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, and CRP.
• Uphold a professional demeanor in all interactions and represent the program with integrity and respect.
• Completion of ACRE Training from Griffin‑Hamis and Associates to receive certification in Customized Employment (During Grant).
• Collaborate with The Arc Employment Specialist, Goodwill of the Heartland Job Coach, and IVRS.
• Ability to obtain STOP Driving certification and drive a school vehicle.
• Enter services provided and case notes directly into the IRSS interface within five business days, or before the end of the calendar quarter, whichever comes first.
• Work independently of any roster teacher.

• Willfully accepts, understands and follows directions and instructions.
• Ability to learn, understand and implement appropriate student behavior techniques and address inappropriate student behavior in a proactive way.
• Ability to respond to crisis intervention.
• Ability to exhibit an understanding of District / School programs that exist in assigned learning environment.
• Knowledge of Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques, or willingness to receive CPI training at first available offering.
• Demonstrate…