CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST in Willingboro, New Jersey at Apis Services Inc

CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Career Development Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful, competitive employment opportunities within their communities. This position provides career assessment, job development, job coaching, employer engagement, advocacy, and ongoing employment supports to ensure successful job placement and long-term employment retention.

The Career Development Specialist works collaboratively with individuals served, families, employers, community partners, and service providers to remove barriers to employment, foster workplace inclusion, and promote independence, self-sufficiency, and career success. This role serves as an ambassador for inclusive employment practices and supports the mission of empowering individuals to achieve their vocational goals and highest level of independence.

• Assesses the interests, abilities, strengths, skills, and vocational goals of individuals served.
• Identifies employment opportunities that align with participant skills, abilities, and career interests.
• Assists individuals in exploring career pathways and employment options.
• Conducts vocational assessments and employment readiness activities.
• Participates in the development and implementation of Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs) and employment goals.
• Attends and participates in annual IHP meetings and other person-centered planning activities.

• Develops and maintains a network of employment opportunities within the business community.
• Cultivates relationships with employers and community organizations to expand employment opportunities.
• Matches individuals to competitive employment opportunities based on individual strengths and preferences.
• Coordinates job placement activities and employment onboarding processes.
• Arranges worksite tours, employer introductions, and informational interviews.
• Assists individuals throughout the job application and interview process.
• Supports completion of all required employment-related documentation prior to job placement.
• Conducts employer outreach and presentations to promote inclusive hiring practices.

• Provides on-the-job training and coaching as needed.
• Assists individuals in developing workplace skills, professionalism, and job retention strategies.
• Monitors employment progress and workplace performance.
• Provides follow-up support, retraining, and workplace accommodations when necessary.
• Assists with job retention and career advancement strategies.
• Identifies and resolves workplace barriers that may impact employment success.
• Coordinates re-placement efforts if employment goals or situations change.

• Serves as an advocate for individuals with employers, supervisors, coworkers, and community partners.
• Promotes workplace inclusion and disability awareness.
• Educates employers regarding accommodations, support strategies, and inclusive employment practices.
• Supports individuals in developing workplace communication and self-advocacy skills.
• Strengthens natural workplace supports and community connections.
• Acts as a liaison between individuals served, employers, families, and service providers.

• Evaluates transportation needs related to employment and community participation.
• Coordinates transportation resources and services.
• Provides travel training and community navigation instruction when necessary.
• Assists individuals in developing independent transportation skills.

• Maintains accurate participant records and employment documentation.
• Completes reports, case notes, service documentation, and required data collection activities.
• Tracks employment outcomes, progress, and performance measures.
• Maintains compliance with organizational, funding, and regulatory requirements.
• Completes timesheets, expense reports, and required personnel documentation.
• Documents time worked accurately.

• Represents the organization professionally at employer, community, and stakeholder meetings.
• Maintains positive working relationships with individuals served, families, employers, community providers, and referral sources.
• Promotes the mission, values, and goals of Advancing Opportunities and Apis Services.
• Supports program growth and community outreach initiatives.
• Assists with special projects and departmental initiatives.
• Functions as a liaison to other organizational programs and services.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business, or a related field.

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience in vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, supported employment, workforce development, or disability services.
• Experience working directly with employers and community organizations.

• Valid non-provisional driver's license required.
• Reliable personal vehicle with state-required liability insurance.
• Ability to meet employment screening and background clearance requirements, including FBI clearance if applicable.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred or required based on program needs.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong advocacy and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, employers, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Basic computer, internet, email, and data entry skills.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

Develops employment opportunities that align with individual strengths, abilities, and career interests.

Advocates for individuals and develops productive relationships with employers, families, and community stakeholders.

Communicates professionally and effectively with individuals served, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners.

Supports individual employment goals through person-centered planning and individualized services.

Balances multiple responsibilities, maintains documentation, and meets established deadlines.

Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives while promoting inclusion and equity.

Uses solution-focused approaches to address challenges and remove barriers to employment success.

Works independently, proactively identifies needs, and takes appropriate action to support positive outcomes.

Maintains accurate and timely documentation while ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Utilizes technology, reporting tools, and software applications effectively to support service delivery and documentation.

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance.
• Reliable personal transportation for travel throughout the service area.

• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Standard office equipment

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Teams
• Electronic documentation systems
• Employment tracking systems
• Agency-specific software applications

• Sitting, standing, walking, and driving for extended periods.
• Traveling to employment sites, community locations, offices, and employer meetings.
• Reaching, bending, lifting, stooping, and climbing stairs as required.
• Accompanying participants to employment and community-based activities.
• Conducting workplace assessments and job site visits.

• Ability to occasionally lift, move, or carry up to 50 pounds.

• Community employment sites.
• Business and employer locations.
• Community-based settings.
• Office environments.
• Multiple locations throughout New Jersey.
• Indoor and outdoor environments.

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Community Safety Practices
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Workplace Safety Procedures

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and maintain confidentiality.
• Attend all required trainings and meetings.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Demonstrate compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements.
• Support the values and mission of Advancing Opportunities, Apis Services, and Inperium.
• Document time worked accurately.

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Employees may be required to participate in pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, or regulatory-required drug testing consistent with applicable laws, contracts, and licensing standards.

The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

From time to time, employees may be assigned additional duties necessary to support program operations and participant success. Appropriate training will be provided when necessary.

Please note that work schedules are subject to change based upon business needs. Flexibility in work hours, community travel, evenings, weekends, and work locations may be required.

The more knowledge, flexibility, and expertise an employee develops, the greater value they bring to themselves, the organization, and the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.

Advancing Opportunities, an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and Inperium, Inc., is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, employment success, and meaningful community participation. Through innovative programs and person-centered supports, Advancing Opportunities promotes opportunity, inclusion, and lifelong achievement.

Apis Services, Inc. and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment extends to all phases of employment including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.