Community Placement Specialist in Trumbull, Connecticut at The Kennedy Collective Inc

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals’ development, well-being, and growth.

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Generous PTO
• 401k
• Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Job purpose:

The Community Placement Specialist advances employment outcomes by building strong employer partnerships and connecting individuals to meaningful career opportunities. This role focuses on career planning, employability assessment, job development, job placement, and on-the-job training. Through extensive networking and community engagement, the specialist supports individuals along a structured employment pathway toward long-term career success.

What You’ll Do

Career Planning & Employability Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive employability assessments and work evaluations to determine job readiness, skills, and career interests
• Guide individuals through career exploration and planning aligned with strengths, preferences, and labor market opportunities
• Develop individualized career pathways with clear goals, milestones, and advancement strategies
• Apply vocational rehabilitation principles to address barriers and support career progression

Employer Engagement, Job Development & Networking

• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with local employers, industry partners, and community organizations
• Actively network in the community to identify workforce needs and create employment opportunities
• Market candidates effectively by aligning their strengths and skills with employer demand
• Develop customized job opportunities and negotiate placements that support long-term success
• Maintain an active presence in business and community networks to expand opportunity pipelines

Job Placement, Training & Retention

• Facilitate job placement including interview preparation, hiring coordination, and onboarding support
• Provide hands-on, on-the-job training to ensure individuals gain the skills needed for success
• Deliver job coaching and performance support in real work environments
• Monitor progress and provide ongoing retention support, focusing on career growth and stability
• Address workplace challenges proactively to support long-term employment outcomes

Community Workforce Integration

• Build partnerships with workforce systems, vocational rehabilitation entities, and community-based organizations
• Stay informed on labor market trends, high-demand industries, and emerging opportunities
• Align placement strategies with regional workforce needs and economic conditions

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including service notes, work evaluations, and employment outcomes
• Complete required reporting in accordance with funding, regulatory, and organizational standards
• Track and contribute to key performance indicators including placements, retention, and employer engagement

How You Work

• Thrive in a highly external, community-based role centered on relationship building and networking
• Operate independently while managing multiple employer relationships and participant caseloads
• Make sound decisions within established program guidelines and compliance standards
• Balance field-based work, service delivery, and documentation requirements effectively

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma.
• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the behavioral sciences preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in networking, marketing, and/or community business development.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting people with disabilities in employment, preferred.
• May be required to communicate in another language and understand another culture i.e., Spanish, sign language.
• Valid Driver’s License and must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• You are required to be in possession of a car on site during your entire shift to transport yourself and/or individuals to community sites in all weather conditions and throughout all neighborhoods.
• Depending upon assignment, must be able to work in a variety of settings, weather conditions and locations.
• Must maintain PMT and CPR Aid certification.
• Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Communicate clearly in oral and written form on a constant basis.
• Work independently, utilize good judgment, and possess a strong sense of initiative.

Physical Requirements:

• Provide physical interventions which may include lifting, mobility, first aid, and safety evacuations
• Move weights up to 10 lbs. on a constant basis and 15 lbs. on an occasional basis.

The Kennedy Collective invests in the success of all new employees by providing an immersive new hire orientation and training experience. Here’s what you can expect if you’re hired:

• Two-week new hire orientation including an introduction to the agency, site tours, and employer-funded CPR & PMT certification.
• Two weeks of job-specific trainings and shadowing at your worksite
• Check-ins with Human Resources after your first 30, 60, and 90 days

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.