Employment Specialist; ASD

Job Title: Employment Specialist (ASD)

Location: Springfield, Missouri

Department: Employment Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Join our compassionate and collaborative team dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment. As an Employment Specialist, you will play a vital role in assisting clients on their journey toward achieving their career goals. If you have a passion for helping others, adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to advocate for clients, this position is perfect for you.

Your role will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve, fostering independence and promoting inclusive workplaces. In this role, you will provide individualized career planning, job development, and retention services to clients while maintaining a supportive and professional environment. Your expertise will be crucial in building relationships with clients, employers, and community stakeholders.

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
• Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
• Workplace Culture – An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
• Additional Perks & Benefits – Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more

• Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect.
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to assist clients with individualized career planning.
• Conduct orientations for clients to explain services and discuss their rights and responsibilities.
• Schedule and participate in team meetings to discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Teach and reinforce job-seeking and job retention skills with clients.
• Educate employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations.
• Respond to crises that may occur with clients at their worksite.
• Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
• Other duties as assigned by Leadership.

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required; an associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services.

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.
• Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Must provide evidence that incumbent is free of infectious and contagious disease prior to beginning employment and annually thereafter.

ADA Consideration - Sedentary work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (exists 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness