About the role
Description
Empower potential. Build pathways. Drive real employment outcomes.
**PLEASE NOTE: This role will be based in Lake County.**
About Aspire
Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!
The Role
At Aspire, we believe meaningful employment changes lives. As an
Employment Specialist
, you’ll support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in
achieving and retaining competitive, community-based employment while helping individuals build confidence, independence, and meaningful careers
.
Working collaboratively with an integrated training and employment team, you’ll prepare individuals for job placement, provide individualized support that promotes long-term retention, and assist with employment consulting engagements. You’ll also partner with employers to
help create welcoming workplaces where individuals can thrive and feel a sense of belonging
.
This is more than a job coaching role—it’s
a chance to open doors, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and the communities they are part of
.
What You’ll Do
Support Individuals on Their Employment Journey
Support individuals by following individualized plans for seeking employment, including: developing resumes and cover letters, building job search networks (including online networking), conducting job searches, identifying job leads, completing and submitting applications, practicing interview skills, and
supporting job-related communications
.
Conduct assessments, when necessary, to
determine an individual's skills and abilities to assist in the job matching process
Develop and execute
an Individual Placement Plan with each individual
Assist individuals in securing community employment by screening employer requirements and individual skills to
create successful job matches
Conduct job analyses with
attention to job details and environmental and social factors
Create adaptive supports
as needed, including but not limited to checklists, social stories, visual prompts, and other aids
Create support fade-out plans
Provide transportation training (e.g., how to use public transportation and/or rideshare) and provide transportation as needed
Provide Job Coaching & Ongoing Employment Support
Provide ongoing job support to
ensure successful placements while developing natural supports
at each community-based work location
Serve as a liaison between employers and individuals at the worksite
Provide transitional job coaching and continued coaching as needed
Provide job retention support as needed
Manage Caseloads & Documentation
Manage a caseload of job seekers and maintain/update case files per requirements
Document participant progress and activities through case notes, job coaching reports, staffing reports, and progress reports
Attend team meetings and staffings per Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) requirements
Complete reporting and service requirements of the DRS contract
Build Employer & Community Partnerships
Maintain awareness of the local job market and employment opportunities across various industries
Market Aspire’s employment services with employers and referral sources
Execute components of inclusive employment consulting engagements
Support Organizational Excellence
Cooperate with compliance and quality improvement initiatives and protocols
Perform other duties deemed necessary and within the scope of the position as assigned
Who You Are
Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write reports
Able to maintain confidential information
Able to deal
tactfully, engagingly, and courteously with individuals, employees at all levels
, families, and the general public
Demonstrates
adaptability, flexibility, and accountability
Able to think independently and navigate ambiguity
A relationship builder who
develops and maintains positive interpersonal relationships with people
supported, consumers, providers, Aspire employees, and community partners
Highly organized with the ability to multitask, prioritize work, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
An independent worker capable of establishing priorities and managing multiple competing tasks
Why Aspire? Make a direct, visible impact on people’s lives every day Lead a program that blends innovation, hands-on learning, and real employment outcomes
Be part of a mission-driven organization that values growth, collaboration, and purpose Help individuals achieve independence, confidence, and meaningful careers Full-Time Benefits
(for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
13 Paid Holidays
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pet Insurance
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're driven to lead with purpose and create real opportunities for others, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help build pathways to employment that truly change lives!
Requirements
High school diploma or GED required;
Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
Minimum three (3) years of related work experience
Valid driver's license with a good driving record required
Reliable mode of transportation and proof of insurance required
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities