Employment Specialist- Full Time

Job Description:

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: Raytown, MO Department: Employment Services Employment Type: Full time

Shift: Monday-Friday (flexible CST)

Job Summary:

Are you passionate about helping others achieve greater independence and success through meaningful employment? As an Employment Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, discover their strengths, and build rewarding careers. Join our compassionate and collaborative team where you'll develop meaningful relationships with clients, engage with local employers, support career growth, and make a positive difference in your community every day. We are looking for someone who is passionate about advocacy, enjoys building community partnerships, communicates effectively, and is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their goals.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing individualized career planning, job development, placement, and retention services for clients. This role works closely with individuals, employers, referral sources, and community partners to create competitive employment opportunities and support long-term vocational success. The Employment Specialist serves as an advocate, educator, and resource while helping clients navigate their employment journey and achieve meaningful community integration.

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:

Develop individualized career plans that align with clients' strengths, interests, abilities, and employment goals

Connect clients with competitive employment opportunities through job development, employer engagement, and community networking

Teach and reinforce job-seeking, interviewing, workplace readiness, and job retention skills

Build and maintain relationships with employers to identify hiring needs and create employment opportunities for clients

Advocate for clients with employers, family members, referral sources, and community partners to support successful employment outcomes

Assist clients with benefits planning and informed decision-making regarding employment, work hours, and compensation

Facilitate orientations and provide ongoing vocational counseling, guidance, and support throughout the employment process

Educate employers regarding the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and assist with workplace accommodations as needed

Participate in team meetings and collaborate with treatment teams and stakeholders to support client success

Respond to workplace challenges or crises and provide support to promote successful job retention

Maintain communication with referral sources and provide updates regarding employment outcomes and client progress

Travel throughout the community to provide job development activities, employment supports, and client transportation when needed

Provide on-site and off-site employment supports as necessary

Complete other duties as assigned by leadership

Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution preferred

Minimum one (1) year of experience providing employment services preferred

Additional Qualifications:

Successful completion of criminal background, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint screening requirements

Current valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current automobile insurance required

Knowledge of supporting individuals with disabilities and individuals experiencing barriers to employment, education, or independent living

Understanding of case management, rehabilitation principles, and employment support services

Knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders and available community resources

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, internet-based platforms, and electronic documentation systems

Ability to market services, develop employer partnerships, and promote employment opportunities within the community

Ability to respond effectively to workplace challenges and support clients in achieving vocational success

Physical Requirements

Perform sedentary work requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force

Use hands, fingers, and arms repetitively for typing, writing, and computer-based tasks throughout the workday

Sit for extended periods while completing documentation and administrative duties

Occasionally stand and walk while conducting community-based job development and client support activities

Safely transport clients and travel extensively throughout the community as required

Perform essential job duties while maintaining physical stamina necessary for community-based employment services

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.

Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.