Employment Specialist

Community Support Services of Missouri (CSS) has been in operation since 1978 supporting children and adults with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. Our mission is to foster and promote maximum independence, quality of life, personal growth, health and safety for the individuals we serve. We ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a life defined by potential, not any potential limitations. At CSS we strive each day to live out our ABLE Core Value: Above and Beyond, Better Together, Lead Intentionally, and Empower Everyone. 

Position Summary

An Employment Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals in achieving meaningful and sustainable employment by assessing their skills, interests, and career goals, and by providing tailored job-readiness training such as resume development, interview preparation, and workplace skills coaching. This role requires close collaboration with employers to identify workforce needs, advocate for accommodations when appropriate, and create opportunities that align with both client strengths and organizational requirements. Employment Specialists also provide ongoing coaching and monitoring to ensure successful job placement and retention. By fostering inclusive hiring practices and connecting diverse talent with employers, Employment Specialists play a critical role in workforce development, empowering individuals to build independence and stability while strengthening the community.

Essential Functions

• Review and Implementation of Individual Plans: Conduct assessments, develop individualized employment plans, and monitor progress.
• Pre-Vocational Training: Facilitate workshops and hands-on activities that teach and build essential workplace skills. Provide ongoing coaching and feedback during training.
• Job Development: Identify and create job opportunities that align with individual goals and strengths.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local employers. Provide assistance with resumes, applications, and interview preparation.
• Career & Benefits Planning: Provide advice on career pathways and benefits planning, ensuring individuals understand their options and impacts (e.g., Medicaid/waiver eligibility).
• Supported Employment: Offer on-the-job coaching and workplace integration support. Collaborate with teams to adapt strategies based on individual needs.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Confidence working with individuals of various abilities. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.  Resourcefulness and flexibility in meeting individual needs. 
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships and foster partnerships with community employers and stakeholders. 

Required Education

• Position must have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency. 
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, special education, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with individuals with disabilities or community employment services is highly desirable. 
• Valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and reliable transportation with functioning safety systems (e.g., heat, air conditioning, seat belts). 
• Compliance with CSS training standards, including but limited to certifications such as CPR and First Aid. 
• Successfully completes all agency‑required training and practical mentoring, including supported employment competencies, during the first year of employment.

Physical Requirements

• All employees should possess the ability to:
• Lift 50 pounds or more on a repeated basis as required.
• Potentially bend, stoop, kneel, and twist repeatedly.
• Operate any required equipment with good dexterity. 
• Traverse changing terrain. 
• Periodically alternate between standing, sitting, and walking.

Additional Expectations

• Employment Specialists may occasionally work in other departments, adjust their schedules, or perform additional duties to meet the needs of individuals or organizational goals. Flexibility and commitment to providing the highest quality services are essentia

We offer competative pay, benefits, PTO and our retirement matching is 100% vested day 1!