Employment Specialist - CO

Job Title: Employment Specialist - CO

Department: Employment Services CO

Reports To: Employment Services Director

Date: July 2026

Job Summary: 

The Employment Specialist works directly with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve independence in all aspects of their work life. Vista Care’s supported employment program strives to connect people with job opportunities, provide job coaching, and support them in maintaining long-term employment. This role requires a client-focused approach and the ability to adapt to diverse individual needs. The perfect candidate is passionate about employment support, possesses strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and is committed to helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualized Employment Support: Develop and implement individualized employment plans, including job search strategies, resume building, interview preparation, and workplace accommodations.

• Job Placement & Coaching: Assist individuals in securing and maintaining jobs, providing ongoing coaching to improve job performance. Provide hands-on support to help individuals build skills, solve problems and gain confidence.

• Workplace Collaboration: Partner with employers to ensure a supportive, inclusive work environment.

• Assessment & Planning: Conduct assessments to identify strengths, skills, and needs, and adjust employment strategies accordingly.

• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of employment services, progress, and client needs.

• Collaboration: Work closely with Vista Care team members, school districts, case managers, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, families, and community partners to support career goals.

• Advocacy: Maintain open communication with employers to remove barriers. Promote inclusive hiring practices and ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.

Qualifications and Experience:

Experience: 

• Minimum of 1 year experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or other barriers to employment preferred. 

• Experience in job coaching, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, education, human services, or a related field preferred. 

• Experience developing professional relationships with employers and community partners is preferred. 

• Experience maintaining documentation and meeting compliance requirements preferred. 

Technical Skills: 

• Ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic health records (EHRs), documentation systems, and employment service databases as applicable.

• Ability to maintain accurate service documentation and billing records. 

• Ability to navigate email, virtual meeting platforms, and other business technology tools. 

• Ability to organize schedules, track multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Knowledge/Competencies

• Knowledge of person-centered practices and community-based employment supports. 

• Knowledge of supported employment principles and the value of competitive integrated employment. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational, problem solving, and time management skills. 

• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and professional boundaries. 

• Commitment to adjusting schedules based on unanticipated changes while ensuring the maximization of service delivery and billable hours. 

• Ability to adapt to changing needs and support individuals with diverse abilities and employment goals. 

• Commitment to dignity, respect, inclusion, and self-determination for individuals receiving services. 

• Required to pass all background checks, upon hire.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and insurable driving record that meets Vista Care’s current driving requirements

• E-Verify verification must be completed

• Must have good interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrate effective decision-making abilities

• Fluency in oral and written English

• Proficient in MS Office and Business Google including the ability to effectively use electronic documentation software and office/IS equipment

Scope of Supervision:

• None

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required

• Current ACRE Certification or an equivalent certification at Vista Care's discretion is preferred, or the candidate must be willing to become certified within 6 months. Must maintain certification in accordance with applicable standards.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work primarily in community-based settings and maintain regular, standard, hours and attendance.  

• Required to drive a personal vehicle. The role requires travel to worksites and community events. (Eligible for mileage reimbursement based on company policy)

• Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach 

• Ability to sit for long periods of time

• Must be able to give and receive verbal and written instructions in English