Employment Manager in Meriden, Connecticut at Midstate ARC Inc

POSITION SUMMARY
The Employment Manager oversees the design, coordination, and delivery of employment supports for individuals with disabilities. This position provides direct leadership to a team of Employment Specialists and Job Coaches, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that enable participants to achieve meaningful, integrated employment outcomes. The Employment Manager serves as a primary liaison between participants, employers, families, and funding agencies while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, funding requirements, and best practices in supported employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee daily employment and vocational services in compliance with Connecticut DDS regulations, agency policies, Individual Plans (IPs), and person-centered practices.
Ensure individualized employment supports are developed, implemented, and reviewed collaboratively with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote competitive integrated employment and community inclusion.
Monitor participant progress toward employment and habilitative goals using data-informed, person-centered strategies that support skill development, independence, and vocational growth.
Ensure services align with supported employment best practices, DDS funding requirements, documentation standards, quality assurance measures, and applicable state and federal regulations, including HCBS requirements.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Train, supervise, and evaluate Employment Specialists, Job Coaches, and related staff in accordance with agency policies and Connecticut DDS standards.
Provide ongoing coaching and supervision to promote competency in person-centered practices, community-based employment supports, positive behavioral approaches, and competitive integrated employment.
Facilitate team meetings and staff trainings to support communication, service quality, compliance, and continuous quality improvement.
Monitor staff performance through observation, documentation review, and evaluations, implementing corrective action and additional training as needed.
Ensure staff maintain required certifications, trainings, and documentation in compliance with DDS, agency, and state and federal requirements.
Employer Engagement & Partnership
Develop and maintain partnerships with local employers, workforce agencies, and community stakeholders to expand competitive integrated employment opportunities.
Identify and coordinate individualized job opportunities aligned with participants’ strengths, interests, and employment goals.
Collaborate with employers to implement reasonable accommodations, customized employment strategies, and workplace supports that promote successful job placement and retention.
Represent the agency at job fairs, networking events, and community workforce initiatives to strengthen employer engagement and community partnerships.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting
Ensure timely and accurate documentation, billing, and service records in compliance with Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Medicaid Waiver, and other funding source requirements.
Monitor program compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, HCBS standards, and accreditation requirements.
Prepare and submit required reports, outcome data, and compliance documentation to agency leadership and funding entities as needed.
Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and agency policies.

Participant Advocacy & Support
Promote person-centered practices, self-determination, and informed choice in all aspects of service delivery. Address participant concerns, incidents, and service issues in a timely, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.
Support transitions between educational, vocational, and community-based services to ensure continuity of care and employment success.
Assist participants with job retention, workplace integration, communication, and conflict resolution to support long-term employment outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in human services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Business, or a related field preferred.
Associate degree with relevant experience in workforce development, vocational services, disability services, or employer engagement may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment preferred.
Experience developing employer partnerships, job coaching, vocational rehabilitation, or community-based employment services are strongly preferred.

Certifications & Licensure
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
First Aid/CPR & PMT certification required (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong leadership, team building, and staff development skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present effectively to diverse audiences.
Ability to build rapport with individuals with a wide range of disabilities including intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, etc.
Skilled negotiator with the ability to engage and influence employer partners.
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement plan with employer contribution.
Paid time off, holidays, and employee assistance program.
Ongoing professional development, training, and certification support.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and those with lived experience of disability.