Employment Program Manager

Overview

Salary: $22.00 - $25.00/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 

What if your work could help someone discover a career they love?

As the employment program manager, you'll lead a team dedicated to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment, build confidence, and reach their career goals. 

You'll combine leadership, relationship-building, creativity, and advocacy to make employment opportunities more accessible. From developing partnerships with local employers to coaching your team and supporting individuals in reaching their goals, you'll play an important role in creating opportunities for people to thrive in the workplace and in their communities. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys leading people, building community connections, developing programs, and seeing the impact of their work firsthand. 

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the DDS Employment program, ensuring individuals receive high-quality, person-centered services and that the program meets DDS and Advocates requirements.  

• Provide regular supervision, coaching, mentoring, training, and performance feedback to Employment Services staff. Help staff build the skills and resources they need to support successful employment outcomes.  

• Ensure each individual’s interests, strengths, skills, and career goals are assessed and incorporated into an individualized employment plan. 

•  Support individuals with job selection, placement, retention, advancement, and career development.  

• Develop and maintain relationships with businesses and community organizations throughout the service area.  Identify employers who are interested in inclusive hiring and create new employment opportunities for the people we support.  

• Partner with employers, individuals, families, and support teams to identify training and support needs. Ensure appropriate job coaching and workplace supports are provided to help individuals succeed and become as independent as possible.  

• Ensure employment goals and outcomes are measurable and regularly reviewed. Gather feedback from employers and individuals and adjust supports or employment plans when needed.  

• Oversee participant records, service plans, assessments, progress reports, billing, and other required documentation, ensuring deadlines and DDS requirements are consistently met.  

• Monitor program compliance with DDS regulations, Advocates policies, human rights requirements, and other applicable standards. Participate in quality assurance and continuous improvement efforts.  

• Represent Advocates and Employment Services with employers, families, funding agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders while promoting inclusive employment and the abilities of the people we support.  

• Foster an environment where staff feel supported, valued, and motivated to provide excellent services.  

• Maintain knowledge of employment practices, work incentives, benefits, and laws affecting employment for people with disabilities and share that knowledge with the team. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social services or a related field such as psychology, special education, or education, plus at least three years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Candidates with marketing, recruitment, or job placement experience are strongly encouraged to apply!
• Valid driver's license, reliable insured vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals as needed. 
• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities is preferred. 
• Management or supervisory experience, particularly in human services or employment services, is strongly preferred. 
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs. 
• Strong computer skills and attention to detail. 
• A commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive services. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications. 

Don’t rule yourself out. Apply! We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification listed. If you’re excited about making a difference at Advocates, we encourage you to apply. Our recruiters review each application with an open mind and may match you with this role or another opportunity that aligns with your unique skills and experience.

Physical Demands:

• Full upper extremity range of motion
• Full lower extremity range of motion
• Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing over 50 lbs.

Physical Activity:

• Continuous: Communication
• Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking, and lifting
• Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.