IPS Employment Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title:

Employment Specialist

Location:

Springfield, Missouri

Employment Type:

Full Time

Job Summary:

Join our compassionate and mission‑driven team as an Employment Specialist, where you will play a vital role in helping individuals achieve meaningful, competitive employment and long‑term vocational success. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact by supporting clients through individualized career planning, job placement, and retention services while building strong relationships with local employers and community partners. If you are passionate about workforce development, enjoy building relationships, and are motivated to help others overcome barriers to employment, this role allows you to make a lasting difference while working in a collaborative and supportive  this role, you will guide clients through all phases of vocational services, including assessment, job development, placement, and on‑the‑job support.

You will analyze labor market trends, advocate for clients, partner with employers to meet workforce needs, and support individuals in maintaining employment and achieving long‑term independence.

This position offers…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

Key Responsibilities:

Provide individualized vocational services, including career planning, job development, placement, and retention support

Assist clients with identifying strengths, abilities, preferences, and employment goals through interviews and community‑based activities

Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to support individualized employment planning

Develop and maintain relationships with employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities

Advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, families, and other stakeholders

Educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and support reasonable job accommodations

Teach and reinforce job‑seeking and job‑retention skills with clients

Assist clients with benefits planning related to employment, work hours, and wage changes

Provide on‑site or off‑site job supports as needed to promote job retention

Maintain regular communication with referral sources to coordinate services and identify new referrals

Report job development outcomes, placements, retention progress, and concerns to leadership

Respond to workplace crises involving clients when needed

Travel extensively within the community to support job development and provide transportation to clients as required

Promote the organization, services, and clients through community outreach, events, and presentations

Adhere to confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards at all times

Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership

Education, Experience, and/or Credential

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent required

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution preferred

Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing employment services

Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, case management, and community‑based employment services preferred

Additional Qualifications:

Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and current auto insurance

Ability to travel extensively and transport clients as required

Strong customer service, communication, and relationship‑building skills

Proficiency with computers, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic documentation systems

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, or overnights as needed

Must provide evidence of freedom from infectious or contagious diseases (e.g., TB) prior to employment and annually…