What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Preferred Family Healthcare?
Job Description:
Employment and Education Specialist
Location: Hannibal, MO
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
This role requires previous employment experience: Candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience delivering employment or vocational support services to individuals.
Why This Role Matters
As an Employment and Education Specialist, you’ll help individuals build confidence, explore career paths, and achieve long‑term, meaningful employment.
This is a relationship‑driven role for someone who enjoys working in the community, partnering with employers, and supporting people through every step of their employment journey—from career planning to job retention.
What You’ll Do
Support Clients’ Career Success
Treat all clients, partners, and team members with dignity, professionalism, and respect
Review vocational, educational, medical, and psychological information to support individualized career plans
Conduct client orientations and clearly explain available services, rights, expectations, and confidentiality
Help clients identify strengths, interests, and employment goals through interviews, counseling, and community‑based activities
Teach and reinforce job‑seeking skills (résumés, interviews, workplace expectations)
Provide ongoing job‑retention and benefits planning support before and after job placement
Build Employer & Community Partnerships
Develop and maintain strong relationships with local employers
Promote inclusive hiring practices and educate employers on reasonable accommodations
Identify competitive, integrated employment opportunities aligned with client goals
Represent the program at job fairs, community events, and outreach activities
Advocate for clients while collaborating with employers, families, schools, and referral sources
Service Delivery & Documentation
Participate in team meetings and collaborative planning discussions
Maintain regular communication with referral sources and community partners
Accurately document services, job development activities, and employment outcomes
Provide on‑site or off‑site support during workplace challenges or crises
Travel locally for employer engagement, client support, and job development (including transporting clients when appropriate)
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of one (1) year of experience delivering employment or vocational support services
Examples include job coaching, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development
Strong communication, organization, and time‑management skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team
Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, and web‑based systems)
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally
Preferred Qualifications
Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other barriers to employment
Knowledge of case management, rehabilitation, or vocational support services
Benefits & Perks
29 days of PTO
HRSA Loan Repayment Eligibility
Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and more)
403(b) match up to 5% (part‑time and full‑time)
Company‑paid life insurance
Emergency Medical Leave Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)
Health & wellness programs
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee discount program
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you have at least one year of experience providing employment support services and are passionate about helping individuals succeed in the workforce, we encourage you to apply.
Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness
Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.