Community Employment Specialist in Norristown, Pennsylvania at Developmental Enterprises

Position Summary

The Community Employment Specialist provides individualized employment services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), supporting individuals in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment and participating successfully in their communities. The Community Employment Specialist assesses individual interests, skills, abilities, and employment goals; develops employment opportunities; facilitates job matching; provides job development and follow-up support; and works collaboratively with individuals, families, employers, service providers, and community partners. The position promotes competitive and integrated employment through person-centered planning, individualized support, and the development of natural and community-based supports.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Employment Planning

• Conduct assessments to identify individual strengths, interests, abilities, preferences, and employment goals.
• Use assessment information to facilitate appropriate job matching, employment development, and/or community participation.
• Provide individuals with information about employment, available jobs, and community activities to support informed choices.
• Assist individuals in identifying employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and career goals.

Job Development & Employer Engagement

• Develop employment opportunities for individuals through outreach to businesses and community employers
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with employers and community partners.
• Advocate for employment opportunities that promote individual choice, independence, and meaningful community participation.
• Identify potential employers and opportunities based on the individual's employment goals and abilities.
• Communicate effectively with businesses and employers regarding employment opportunities and individual support needs.

Employment Support & Job Coaching

• Provide individualized support and instruction to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Teach work and social skills, including skills related to workplace expectations and transportation.
• Use task analysis and other appropriate teaching strategies to assist individuals in learning job duties.
• Provide job-site fading and ongoing follow-up support as appropriate.
• Provide continued support after an individual obtains employment, including scheduled check-ins, follow-up contacts, and coordination of additional support as needed to promote successful job retention and career development.
• Identify and advocate for the use of natural supports within the workplace and community.

Community Integration & Natural Supports

• Assist individuals in developing and utilizing natural supports within the community and workplace.
• Support individuals in accessing community resources, activities, employment opportunities, and transportation.
• Promote independence and meaningful participation in the community.
• Work with individuals and other service providers to address barriers to employment and community participation. Documentation, Billing & Service Coordination
• Complete required reports, records, and service documentation in a timely, concise, and thorough manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to assessments, employment development, job placement, job coaching, follow-up services, and individual progress.
• Complete appropriate billing and service reporting in accordance with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), DEC, and other applicable requirements.
• Maintain documentation necessary to support accurate and timely billing and reimbursement.
• Maintain a minimum of 80% of scheduled work hours as billable service time, consistent with applicable program and billing requirements.
• Communicate relevant information regarding individual progress, employment status, and support needs to appropriate team members and service providers.
• Participate in individual meetings, including Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings, as well as required trainings and other activities related to individuals served.

Transportation & Community-Based Services

• Provide transportation when necessary to support employment-related activities and community participation.
• Drive a personal or other approved vehicle as required to perform job duties.
• Maintain required vehicle documentation and comply with applicable organizational transportation requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, employers, service providers, State agencies, and other community partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in all interactions.
• Complete required training and maintain knowledge of applicable employment services practices, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in required trainings, including Supported Employment, ACRE, and Customized Employment/Career Planning Supports (CPS), as applicable to the position.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in supported employment, human services, vocational rehabilitation, community-based services, or a related employment services role required.
• Education and experience may be combined to meet the requirements of the position; a bachelor's degree is not required.
• Experience with job development, employer outreach, career exploration, or employment support preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively work with individuals, families, businesses, service providers, and State agencies.
• Ability to work independently and professionally in community-based settings.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including proficient keyboarding and the ability to use computers and related technology to complete electronic documentation, reports, correspondence, billing, and other employment-services activities.

Certifications & Requirements

• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and proof of current vehicle registration and insurance required.
• Reliable access to a personal vehicle or approved transportation for community based job duties.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment screenings.
• ACRE certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by DEC.
• Customized Employment/Career Planning Supports (CPS) training required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by DEC.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required organizational, professional, and individual-specific training and meetings.

Core Competencies

• Person-Centered Employment Support – Uses individual interests, strengths, preferences, and goals to guide employment planning and support.
• Job Development & Employer Relations – Builds professional relationships with employers and identifies meaningful employment opportunities.
• Employment Retention & Follow-Up – Provides continued support, scheduled follow-ups, and problem-solving assistance to promote successful employment and job retention.
• Communication & Collaboration – Communicates effectively with individuals, families, employers, service providers, State agencies, and community partners.
• Instruction & Skill Development – Provides effective instruction and uses task analysis and other appropriate strategies to support skill acquisition.
• Community Integration – Promotes independence, natural supports, and meaningful participation in employment and community settings.
• Documentation & Accountability – Completes accurate, timely, and thorough documentation, billing, and service reporting and maintains required billable service levels.
• Technology & Administrative Proficiency – Demonstrates strong computer, keyboarding, and technology skills necessary for electronic documentation, reporting, billing, and communication.
• Organization & Time Management – Prioritizes responsibilities, manages schedules and caseload demands, meets deadlines, and maintains attention to detail.
• Professionalism & Judgment – Demonstrates sound judgment, maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries, and represents DEC appropriately in the community.
• Independence & Reliability – Works effectively with limited direct supervision, manages community-based responsibilities, and demonstrates dependable attendance and follow-through.