Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist I advocates for and provides services to designated individuals with developmental disabilities or related conditions, supporting them in achieving their personal and employment goals and desired outcomes.

Position Title: Employment Specialist I

Department: Employment Services

Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Anoka, Ramsey, & Washington counties

Compensation: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness when eligibility requirements are met
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Are able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to understand and follow directions.
• Maintain consistent attendance and demonstrate reliability and punctuality to support business needs.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Can work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with individuals, team members, and community partners.
• Take initiative in developing and strengthening connections with both existing and new community partners.
• Successfully pass a Department of Human Services background study and drug screening, maintain a clean driving record, and have reliable transportation for work-related travel (e.g., office locations, training sites, and community-based activities).

• Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment, along with follow-up and ongoing support to help individuals maintain employment and achieve their professional goals.
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers.
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to deliver effective, person-centered services while collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to expand employment opportunities.
• Tracking and documenting client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including DHS 245D, 9554, Extended Employment, and CARF guidelines, and reporting on outcomes.
• Arranging and/or providing transportation to and from community sites in collaboration with team members; using a personal vehicle as needed.
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to inclusive employment and social opportunities.
• Managing billable time and ensuring billing is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attending team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy updates, and service delivery standards.
• Following safety procedures, identifying safety needs for self and others, and performing additional duties as assigned.

• Degree in Human Services or a related field, or a minimum of one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluent in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).

Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible,…