Minimum an Associate degree and 5+ years of relevant experience in IDD services, case management, or housing support.
Experience with workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or career counseling.
Knowledge of local labor market trends and community employment resources.
Must hold a valid Maryland driver’s license with a clean driving record and have reliable transportation.
Must complete and pass required training, including ACRE and/or CESP certification, and renew training as required.
Bilingual capabilities are listed as a preferred additional qualification.
Background in disability advocacy or services is listed as a preferred additional qualification.
Experience with assistive technology and communication devices is listed as a preferred additional qualification.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices in skill development and community integration is listed as a preferred additional qualification.
Responsibilities
Maintain an active assignment list of individuals receiving services through DDA who are seeking competitive employment.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of each person’s strengths, needs, preferences, support systems, and employment interests.
Complete intake assessments to determine employment readiness, barriers, and vocational goals.
Develop individualized employment plans with each person supported.
Prepare professional vocational profiles to guide job development.
Visit and engage the local community to identify and negotiate work experiences, including informational interviews, job shadows, situational assessments, and job tryouts.
Identify job openings aligned with each client’s skills, interests, and career goals.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, and workforce partners.
Attend community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to promote the agency and expand employment opportunities.
Advocate for individuals with IDD and help negotiate job offers and accommodations when needed.
Support resume writing, job application completion, and career exploration.
Conduct mock interviews, role-playing, and workplace etiquette training to build confidence and job readiness.
Provide travel training to help individuals gain independence in commuting to and from work.
Deliver on-site and off-site job coaching to support successful integration and retention.
Provide systematic instruction to teach job tasks, build workplace routines, and promote independence.
Collaborate with employers to develop support fade-out plans and ensure long-term success.
Support clients in developing positive workplace relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
Complete required documentation, including daily notes, attendance records, employment forms, and progress updates.
Track measurable outcomes, including employment placements, retention, and skill development.
Prepare and submit reports for internal teams, DDA, and other stakeholders.
Participate in internal and external meetings to support client success and program growth.
Maintain communication with all team members involved in a person’s support network.
Engage in ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
Desired Qualifications
Background in providing on-site job coaching, workplace accommodations, and employment retention support is preferred.
The Employment Specialist is a highly engaged and mission-driven role that provides one-on-one support services to navigate employment process for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position is ideal for someone who thrives on meaningful connection and purposeful structure—providing hands-on support and advocacy while also developing personalized, goal-driven activities that foster learning, independence, and community integration.
Overview The Employment Specialist role involves working directly with clients to assess job readiness, develop career plans, and connect them with employment opportunities that align with their skills and goals. This is a part-time position with the possibility of full-time.
Employment Readiness & Client Assessment
Maintain an active assignment list of individuals receiving services through DDA who are seeking competitive employment
Conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand each person’s strengths, needs, preferences, support systems, and employment interests
Complete intake assessments to determine employment readiness, barriers, and vocational goals
Develop individualized employment plans in collaboration with each person supported
Prepare professional vocational profiles to guide the job development process
Job Development & Community Engagement
Visit and engage local community to identify and negotiate work experiences (informational interviews, job shadows, situational assessments, job tryouts).
Identify job openings aligned with each client’s skills, interests, and career goals
Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and workforce partners
Attend community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to promote the agency and expand employment opportunities
Advocate for individuals with IDD and help negotiate job offers and accommodations when needed.
Skill Development & Employment Preparation
Provide support with resume writing, job application completion, and career exploration
Conduct mock interviews, role-playing, and workplace etiquette training to build confidence and increase job readiness
Provide travel training to help individuals gain independence in commuting to and from work
On-the-Job Support & Coaching
Deliver on-site and off-site job coaching to ensure successful integration and retention
Provide systematic instruction to teach job tasks, build workplace routines, and promote independence
Collaborate with employers to develop support fade-out plans and ensure long-term success.
Support clients in developing positive workplace relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
Documentation, Reporting & Communication
Complete all required documentation including daily notes, attendance records, employment forms, and progress updates.
Track measurable outcomes such as employment placements, retention, and skill development.
Prepare and submit reports for internal teams, DDA, and other stakeholders.
Collaboration & Professional Development
Participate in internal and external meetings to support client success and program growth.
Maintain strong communication with all team members involved in a person’s support network.
Complete and pass all required training, including ACRE and/or the CESP certification, and renew training as required.
Engage in ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
Education
Minimum an Associate degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in IDD services, case management, or housing support
Experience
Experience with knowledge of workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or career counseling
Knowledge of local labor market trends and community employment resources
Background in providing on-site job coaching, workplace accommodations, and employment retention support is preferred
Certifications & Licenses
Valid Maryland driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
Must have the ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators), CSEP (Certified Employment Support Professional) preferred
Working Conditions
Work occurs in virtual and community settings, including client homes and/or work sites
Frequent local travel required; must have reliable transportation
Flexible daytime schedule to accommodate evening/weekend commitments
Administrative duties include documentation, reporting, and meetings using standard computer equipment.
Collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on inclusion and client support.
Experience with assistive technology and communication devices
Knowledge of evidence-based practices in skill development and community integration.
Allied Community Care Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and individuals served.