Job Coach for DDA Employment Services

The Difference 2-17

Location: Mount Airy, MD and Multiple Locations
Employment Type: Full Time

The Difference 2-17 is a DDA provider agency that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building meaningful, fulfilling lives. We believe everyone is capable and deserves opportunities to develop their strengths, make choices, and participate in their community.

We are seeking an experienced Employment Specialist to help adults explore career interests, secure paid employment, and succeed in the workplace. This position combines individualized participant support, employer outreach, job development, and ongoing employment services.

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist will help participants identify their strengths, interests, skills, and support needs and develop individualized pathways to competitive integrated employment.

Assigned services may include Discovery, Job Development, Ongoing Job Supports, Follow-Along Supports, Co-Worker Supports, and Self-Employment Development Supports.

Key Responsibilities

Employment Planning and Discovery

• Identify participants’ interests, abilities, experiences, communication preferences, and employment goals.
• Conduct authorized Discovery activities and develop vocational profiles and individualized employment plans.
• Arrange career exploration opportunities, employer conversations, and workplace visits.
• Support participants in making informed choices and advocating for their employment preferences.

Job Development and Employer Relationships

• Build partnerships with local businesses and identify employment opportunities that match participants’ strengths and goals.
• Assist with résumés, applications, interview preparation, and hiring paperwork.
• Work with employers to explore customized job duties, workplace accommodations, and effective support arrangements.
• Promote inclusive hiring while protecting participant privacy and confidentiality.

Job Coaching and Retention

• Provide individualized job coaching and instruction in authorized settings.
• Break job duties into manageable steps and use teaching strategies that build independence.
• Support workplace communication, time management, problem-solving, and professional skills.
• Assist with transportation planning and travel training when appropriate.
• Develop natural workplace supports and reduce paid coaching as appropriate to each participant’s needs.
• Address workplace concerns and provide follow-up to support job retention and career advancement.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely service notes, assessments, vocational profiles, required deliverables, and progress reports.
• Document services provided, participant progress, support strategies, and employment outcomes.
• Track job placements, wages, hours worked, and job retention.
• Deliver services within approved authorizations and staff qualifications.
• Follow participant-specific plans, health and safety procedures, incident reporting requirements, and agency policies.
• Protect participant rights, dignity, choice, and confidential information.

Collaboration

• Coordinate with participants, families or authorized representatives, Coordinators of Community Services, employers, and agency staff.
• Collaborate with the Division of Rehabilitation Services and other employment resources as appropriate.
• Participate in planning meetings, supervision, required training, and quality improvement activities.

Required Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• At least three years of experience in employment services; three to five years of relevant experience is sought, including job development, job coaching, supported employment, or customized employment.
• Must have up-to-date ACRE training and current Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification are required.
• Successfully complete required criminal background investigations, other applicable screenings, and credential verification.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete required DDA orientation and training.
• Complete participant-specific training needed to implement each person’s PCP and safely meet their support needs before implementing job services.
• Hold a valid driver’s license with appropriate insurance coverage for vehicles used.
• Demonstrate strong communication, organization, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Work independently in community settings and manage multiple participant schedules and priorities.
• Use computer systems for documentation, scheduling, and communication.
• Demonstrate a commitment to person-centered services, informed choice, inclusion, and participant independence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with Maryland DDA services, PCPs, service authorizations, and documentation requirements.
• Experience conducting Discovery and developing customized employment opportunities.
• Established relationships with local employers and community workforce resources.
• Relevant education in human services, rehabilitation, psychology, education, or a related field.

Work Environment

Work takes place at community businesses, participant job sites, agency locations, and other authorized settings. Local travel is required, and schedules may vary to meet participants’ work schedules and support needs.

The Difference 2-17 is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Job coaching/ employment : 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ACRE training and CESP certification- required for position. (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25