Employment Development Specialist

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Job Summary

The Employment Development Specialist (EDS) plays a critical role in a multi-year grant funded program designed to transition disconnected youth and adults with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment. The EDS will be responsible for developing community employment opportunities and providing community-based job development, as well as supporting advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. This grant position is expected to end in early 2029.

Primary Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These duties and responsibilities will be rated on the Annual Performance Review.

• Conduct intakes and assessments with individuals to establish employment goals and develop person-centered employment plans. Collaborate closely with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other community entities that refer individuals to the program.
• Provide job development services, including connecting individuals to training and educational resources, to help them secure employment that aligns with their career interests, strengths, and support needs.
• Provide post-employment services, including job coaching, follow-up support, and travel training, to ensure retention, job satisfaction, and career growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, community agencies, internal departments, and external vendors.
• Accurately complete and submit monthly billing reports, participant records, case notes, and other documentation in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with the grant's expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct task and job-site analyses at selected locations to ensure appropriate job matches for individuals.

• Conduct employer outreach, provide consultation, guidance, and disability awareness training to employers and business representatives as needed.

• Coordinate and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings related to an individual's Employment Support Plan; prepare annual individual support plans.

• Attend all grant-related trainings and meetings as assigned, including those for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

• Collaborate with the case manager and youth transition specialist, as needed, to ensure comprehensive support for the entire family and facilitate cross-collaboration.
• Regularly meet with the Project Director, Project Evaluator, and key team members, including case managers, youth transition specialists, and employment development specialists from ServiceSource and affiliated organizations, to ensure alignment and progress toward grant objectives.
• Actively seek opportunities to enhance knowledge of systems supporting TANF recipients and disconnected youth, including the barriers they face. Foster collaboration through participation in community meetings, professional networks, and relevant trainings, enabling effective referrals and comprehensive care for individuals and families.
• Must be available and willing to travel to multiple locations throughout the state or affiliate coverage area, sometimes with little notice required.
• Must be available and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: Education, Experience, and Certification(s)

• Associate degree in psychology, Human Services or related field, plus 1 year of related experience working with adults with disabilities or a related population required. Bachelor's degree in psychology, Human Services or related filed preferred. In lieu of an associate or bachelor's degree, the candidate must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 3 years of experience in Human Services and working with individuals with disabilities.
• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant supported employment, job development, job coaching, and/or vocational support experience required.
• Experience developing partnerships with employers and/or postsecondary educational institutions preferred.

• Experience working with the TANF population is preferred.

• Marketing or sales skills preferred.

• Case management and/or documentation knowledge preferred.
• Fluency in a second language (Spanish, ASL) preferred.
• Annual criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, and other required screenings in compliance with ServiceSource, state, and funding agency regulations.
• Valid NC state driver's license (per state law) and/or access to reliable transportation for work-related travel required. Eligible drivers must maintain a good motor vehicle record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to relate well to people at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to carry out work with the highest levels of accuracy.
• A desire to achieve and exceed monthly expectations.
• Goal oriented and independently motivated.
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to become familiar with corporate specific programs and software such as ZOOM and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to new information and guidance quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent customer service skills (virtually and face-to-face).
• Familiarity with the community that the grant is servicing.

Safety and Health Responsibilities

ServiceSource is committed to providing and maintaining a safe, secure and healthy work environment for all employees, persons-served, volunteers and visitors. As part of this commitment, ServiceSource has developed safety, security and occupational health policies, practices, guides and standards. With this understanding, all employees are required to:

• Adhere to all local, state and federal safety and environmental codes, ordinances, standards and laws.
• Adhere to all corporate and local safety plans, policies, practices and standards.
• Be aware of and follow all safety rules of your work site.
• Report any unsafe conditions or accidents to your supervisor.
• Practice standard precautions (formerly universal precautions) always.
• Participate in mandatory or available safety training.

Supervision Received

The incumbent normally receives little Supervision and works independently with day-to-day work and receives general instructions on new assignments.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee will need to walk within an office setting or virtual. The employee may occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will be visiting a variety of employer worksites in the community, which can vary with regards to noise level and weather/temperature conditions.

Required Training

New Hire Orientation Equal Employment Opportunity Training Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (Renew Annually) Ethics in the Workplace Training (Renew Annually) Emergency Preparedness Training (Renew Annually) Workplace Safety Orientation Customer Service Training Additional trainings as assigned

Employee Statement of Understanding

I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all of the essential functions of my position. I agree to comply with the corporate policies and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct relating to my position. As an employee, I understand my duty to report any suspected violations of the law or the standards of conduct to my immediate supervisor. As an employee, I will strive to uphold the mission and vision of the organization.

I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

What We Offer – for Benefit Eligible Employees May Include:

Because ServiceSource hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better, so we offer a comprehensive benefit program which features:

• Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Financial protection with 100% company paid Disability, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
• A 403(b)-Retirement plan in which the company matches dollar for dollar on a generous percentage matching up to 3% of your contribution.
• Tax advantages through Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• To help you manage your work and life needs, we offer an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, and Tuition Assistance.
• A generous paid time-off program in which the benefits increase based on your tenure with the company.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are an E-Verify Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks are required for all employment positions.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information