Are you passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their employment goals and thrive in inclusive work environments? Do you want to make a meaningful impact by supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their journey to competitive, community-based employment? If so, we invite you to consider a career with Aspire, where your contributions will make a real difference! As an Employment Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our mission by collaborating with our integrated training and employment team to prepare individuals for job placement and support their retention in the workforce.

We offer:

• Referral bonuses
• Paid training
• Retirement plan with matching contributions
• Health and insurance benefits
• Paid time off benefits
• And more! (see benefits list below)

Employment Specialist Summary:

The Employment Specialist supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve and retain competitive and community-based employment in inclusive competitive work environments. Under the direction of the Director of Community Employment, the Employment Specialist collaborates with an integrated training and employment team to prepare individuals for job placement and provides supports that promote retention. Employment Specialists also assist in the execution of inclusive employment consulting engagements under the direction of the Director of Community Employment, working with employers to build embracing and inclusive environments. Aspire offers hybrid work arrangements to allow for work to be performed onsite and remote.

Employment Specialist Responsibilities:

• Support individuals by following an individualized plan for seeking employment which may include the following activities: development of resumes and cover letters; building a job search network including on-line networking; conducting job searches and identifying job leads; completion and submission of applications; practice interviewing; and job-related communications.
• Manage a caseload of job seekers. Maintains and updates case file per requirements.
• Conduct assessments when necessary to determine skills and abilities of an individual to assist in the job matching process.
• Develop and execute an Individual Placement Plan with each individual.
• Document participant progress and activity through case notes, job coaching reports, staffing and progress reports.
• Attend team meetings/staffings per DRS requirements.
• Complete reporting and service requirements of DRS contract.
• Maintain an awareness of local job market and opportunities in various industries.
• Market Aspire’s employment services with employers and referral sources.
• Assist individuals in securing community employment. Screen for employer requirements and individual’s skills to secure a successful match.
• Conduct a job analysis with attention to job details and environmental and social factors.
• Provide ongoing job supports to ensure the success of placements while developing natural supports at each community-based work location.
• Create adaptive supports as needed, including but not limited to, checklists, social stories, visual prompts and aids.
• Serve as a liaison between employers and the individuals at the worksite.
• Provide transitional job coaching and continued coaching as needed.
• Execute components of inclusive employment consulting engagements.
• Create supports fade out plan.
• Provide job retention support as needed
• Provide transportation training for Individuals, and provide transportation as needed.
• Perform any other duties deemed necessary and within the scope for the job as assigned.
• Cooperates with compliance and quality improvement initiatives and protocols.

Reporting to this Position: None

Required Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• 3 years of related work experience

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license (Illinois, Indiana Wisconsin) with good driving record

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Ability to obtain and maintain PACE certification
• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to deal tactfully, engaging and courteously with Individuals, employees at all levels, families and the general public

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Experience working with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Benefits (regularly schedule to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities.

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5502.

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