Employment Specialist I in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota at Lifeworks Services Inc

Employment Specialist I advocates for and provides services to designated individuals with developmental disabilities or related conditions, supporting them in achieving their personal and employment goals and desired outcomes.

Position Title: Employment Specialist I

Department: Employment Services

Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Anoka, Ramsey, & Washington counties

Compensation: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

What we offer employees:

Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness when eligibility requirements are met
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why Work at Lifeworks

Lifeworks is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive, and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate, and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in our communities.

You’ll succeed in this role if you:

• Are able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to understand and follow directions.
• Maintain consistent attendance and demonstrate reliability and punctuality to support business needs.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Can work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with individuals, team members, and community partners.
• Take initiative in developing and strengthening connections with both existing and new community partners.
• Successfully pass a Department of Human Services background study and drug screening, maintain a clean driving record, and have reliable transportation for work-related travel (e.g., office locations, training sites, and community-based activities).

How you’ll be spending your time:

• Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment, along with follow-up and ongoing support to help individuals maintain employment and achieve their professional goals.
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers.
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to deliver effective, person-centered services while collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to expand employment opportunities.
• Tracking and documenting client progress, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including DHS 245D, 9554, Extended Employment, and CARF guidelines, and reporting on outcomes.
• Arranging and/or providing transportation to and from community sites in collaboration with team members; using a personal vehicle as needed.
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to inclusive employment and social opportunities.
• Managing billable time and ensuring billing is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attending team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay informed on best practices, policy updates, and service delivery standards.
• Following safety procedures, identifying safety needs for self and others, and performing additional duties as assigned.

• Degree in Human Services or a related field, or a minimum of one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluent in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).

Equity Statement:

Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We appreciate the vibrancy of differences, center the voices of silenced and marginalized people, and champion universal rights.

Lifeworks Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need an accommodation to apply or participate in an interview, please contact us at D365-HR@lifeworks.org or 651-454-2732, and we will be happy to support you.