Employment Specialist

Job Description:

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: West Plains, Missouri

Department: Employment Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary:
Join our compassionate, collaborative team as an Employment Specialist and help individuals achieve meaningful, competitive employment that empowers their independence and quality of life. In this role, you’ll make a real difference by guiding clients toward their goals, building strong relationships with community employers, and championing inclusion. If you are motivated, mission-driven, skilled in communication, and passionate about helping others succeed, this role offers the opportunity to create life‑changing outcomes every day.

As an Employment Specialist, you will develop and implement all phases of vocational services, including individualized career planning, job placement, and long-term retention support. You will build employer partnerships, understand labor market trends, and assist clients directly at job sites. This position requires strong communication, flexibility, and the ability to support clients with professionalism, empathy, and problem‑solving abilities.

This position offers…
· Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost 
· Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
· Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
· Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
· Additional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more

Key Responsibilities:
· Support clients in developing individualized career plans aligned with their strengths, needs, and employment goals.

· Build meaningful relationships with employers, market client strengths, and develop competitive, integrated job opportunities.

· Provide job placement, on‑site and off‑site job supports, and retention services to promote long‑term vocational success.

· Conduct interviews, community‑based activities, and vocational counseling to help clients identify interests, abilities, and workplace preferences.

· Facilitate benefits planning at the start of services, before job changes, and as clients navigate work‑related decisions.

· Teach job‑seeking and job‑retention skills to help clients grow confidence and workplace readiness.

· Participate in planning meetings and coordinate with referral sources, families, schools, and other agencies to support shared clients.

· Advocate for clients with employers and community partners; educate employers about hiring individuals with disabilities and workplace accommodations.

· Gather, analyze, and utilize vocational, medical, educational, and psychological information to guide service planning.

· Respond to client crises that may occur at worksites with professionalism and care.

· Maintain program documentation, reporting job development outcomes, retention status, concerns, and service updates to leadership.

· Promote services through community outreach, events, and presentations.

· Travel extensively for job development and client supports, including transportation of clients as needed.

· Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership.

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:
· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Associate or bachelor's degree in an applicable field preferred.

· At least one year of experience providing employment services.

Additional Qualifications:
· Successful completion of background check, including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.

· Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.

· Must provide evidence of being free of infectious or contagious disease (such as TB) prior to employment and annually thereafter.

· Strong communication and customer service skills.

· Proficiency with computers including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic media.

Physical Requirements
· Ability to sit for most of the workday, with occasional walking or standing.

· Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and perform repetitive hand, arm, and finger movements for typing or writing.

· Capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling small objects during routine tasks.

Keywords: Employment Specialist, Vocational Services, Job Placement, Workforce Development, Disability Services, Career Planning, Employer Relations, Job Coachin