Helpful Hearts Health Services Inc
Employment Specialist - Maryland DDA Employment Service
Full Time • Helpful Hearts Health Services Inc
Replies within 24 hours
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
Helpful Hearts Health Services
Location: Columbia, MD and Multiple Locations
Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Type: Full Time
Helpful Hearts Health Services Inc. is a Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provider seeking an experienced Employment Specialist to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities explore careers, secure paid jobs in their communities, and succeed at work.
You’ll work directly with participants to identify their strengths, interests, and employment goals. You’ll also build relationships with local employers, develop job opportunities that match each person’s goals, and provide individualized coaching and follow-up to help participants build independence and stay employed.
Position Overview
The Employment Specialist will help participants identify their strengths, interests, skills, and support needs and develop individualized pathways to competitive integrated employment. Assigned services may include Discovery, Job Development, Ongoing Job Supports, Follow-Along Supports, Co-Worker Supports, and Self-Employment Development Supports.
Key Responsibilities
Employment Planning and Discovery
- Identify participants’ interests, abilities, experiences, communication preferences, and employment goals.
- Conduct authorized Discovery activities and develop vocational profiles and individualized employment plans.
- Arrange career exploration opportunities, employer conversations, and workplace visits.
- Support participants in making informed choices and advocating for their employment preferences.
Job Development and Employer Relationships
- Build partnerships with local businesses and identify employment opportunities that match participants’ strengths and goals.
- Assist with résumés, applications, interview preparation, and hiring paperwork.
- Work with employers to explore customized job duties, workplace accommodations, and effective support arrangements.
- Promote inclusive hiring while protecting participant privacy and confidentiality.
Job Coaching and Retention
- Provide individualized job coaching and instruction in authorized settings.
- Break job duties into manageable steps and use teaching strategies that build independence.
- Support workplace communication, time management, problem-solving, and professional skills.
- Assist with transportation planning and travel training when appropriate.
- Develop natural workplace supports and reduce paid coaching as appropriate to each participant’s needs.
- Address workplace concerns and provide follow-up to support job retention and career advancement.
Documentation and Compliance
- Complete accurate, timely service notes, assessments, vocational profiles, required deliverables, and progress reports.
- Document services provided, participant progress, support strategies, and employment outcomes.
- Track job placements, wages, hours worked, and job retention.
- Deliver services within approved authorizations and staff qualifications.
- Follow participant-specific plans, health and safety procedures, incident reporting requirements, and agency policies.
- Protect participant rights, dignity, choice, and confidential information.
Collaboration
- Coordinate with participants, families or authorized representatives, Coordinators of Community Services, employers, and agency staff.
- Collaborate with the Division of Rehabilitation Services and other employment resources as appropriate.
- Participate in planning meetings, supervision, required training, and quality improvement activities.
Required Qualifications
- At least 21 years old.
- At least three years of experience in employment services; three to five years of relevant experience is sought, including job development, job coaching, supported employment, or customized employment.
- Must have up-to-date ACRE training and current Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification are required.
- Successfully complete required criminal background investigations, other applicable screenings, and credential verification.
- Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Complete required DDA orientation and training.
- Complete participant-specific training needed to implement each person’s PCP and safely meet their support needs before implementing job services.
- Hold a valid driver’s license with appropriate insurance coverage for vehicles used.
- Demonstrate strong communication, organization, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Work independently in community settings and manage multiple participant schedules and priorities.
- Use computer systems for documentation, scheduling, and communication.
- Demonstrate a commitment to person-centered services, informed choice, inclusion, and participant independence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience providing employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Familiarity with Maryland DDA services, PCPs, service authorizations, and documentation requirements.
- Experience conducting Discovery and developing customized employment opportunities.
- Established relationships with local employers and community workforce resources.
- Relevant education in human services, rehabilitation, psychology, education, or a related field.
Work Environment
Work takes place at community businesses, participant job sites, agency locations, and other authorized settings. Local travel is required, and schedules may vary to meet participants’ work schedules and support needs.
Helpful Hearts Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Application Question(s):
- Copies of ACRE training and CESP certification must be provided before interview. Have you attached them in your resume?
Experience:
- Job coaching/employment : 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- ACRE training and CESP certification? (Required)
Work Location: In person
Benefits
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Paid holidays
- 401(K) Retirement Plan
- Professional development and training
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
Compensation: $52,000.00 per year
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)