Employment Specialist - $1,500 Sign-on Bonus at MSS in Saint Paul, MN

At MSS, we believe everyone can work in a job that matches their interests, strengths, and goals. As an Employment Specialist, you'll partner with people with disabilities to discover what matters to them, explore career possibilities, build job skills, and find meaningful employment in their community.

Some people will be looking for their first job. Others may want to change careers, explore self-employment, or need ongoing support to succeed at work. You'll use Customized Employment strategies—including the Discovery process—to help each person identify their strengths and connect with opportunities that fit who they are.

This position supports adults, students, and people receiving post-secondary employment services throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

Help people discover meaningful employment

• Build positive relationships with the people you support and learn about their interests, strengths, skills, and goals.
• Use the Discovery process and other Customized Employment strategies to help people identify careers that match their unique abilities, interests, and contributions.
• Support people in exploring competitive, integrated employment, self-employment opportunities, volunteer experiences, career exploration, and other pathways that lead to meaningful work.
• Help each person make informed choices about their employment goals while respecting their preferences and decisions.

Support people in finding a job

Assist with every step of the job search process, including:

• creating resumes

• completing applications

• preparing for interviews

• contacting employers

• practicing interview skills

• learning workplace expectations

• preparing for orientation and onboarding

• Develop relationships with local employers and advocate for inclusive hiring practices. Educate employers on the value of employing people with disabilities.

Support success on the job

• Provide job coaching, individualized training, and ongoing employment support so people gain confidence and independence in their work.

• Encourage natural supports in the workplace by building positive relationships with supervisors and coworkers.

Work as part of a team

• Partner with family members, employers, schools, vocational counselors, case managers, and other members of each person's support team.

• Coordinate referrals, participate in intake meetings, and help determine which employment services are the best fit for each person.

Maintain Quality Services and Compliance

• Develop person-centered employment plans that reflect each person's strengths, employment goals, support needs, and progress.
• Complete billing, service documentation, and reporting in compliance with state and federal regulations, agency policies, and funding requirements.
• Maintain documentation that meets the standards for 245D Home and Community-Based Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), and Extended Employment (EE) services.
• Meet productivity and billing expectations while maintaining high-quality, person-centered support.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting people with disabilities, workforce development, employment services, job coaching, vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience with Customized Employment is welcome but not required. MSS provides training in the Discovery process and Customized Employment strategies because we believe employment should be built around each person's strengths, interests, and contributions.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the Minnesota Designated Coordinator qualifications under 245D Home and Community-Based Services by meeting one of the following:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field and one year of experience providing direct support to people with disabilities; or
• An associate degree in a related field and two years of experience providing direct support to people with disabilities; or
• A diploma in a related human services field from an accredited post-secondary institution and three years of full-time experience providing direct support to people with disabilities; or
• At least 50 hours of education and training related to human services and four years of full-time experience providing direct support services to people with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified staff person.

Additional Requirements

• Successfully pass a background study required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and MSS.

• Possess a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be insurable under the agency's insurance policy.

• Have reliable transportation to travel throughout the service area.

• Be comfortable using technology to document services, communicate with team members, and complete required documentation.

• $1,500 sign on bonus paid over your first six months.

• Competitive pay, benefits, and bonuses. This job pays between $21 and $24 per hour to start, with regular raises. Employees who work 30 or more hours per week have comprehensive health and dental benefits, generous paid time off, and recruitment bonuses for bringing new members to the MSS team. Learn about our benefits package at mssmn.org/benefits

• A team you can count on. From the moment you start at MSS, experienced co-workers will have your back every day. You’ll have the support you need to do your job from co-workers and a management team you can depend on.

MSS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and fully inclusive workplace. We encourage people of all cultures, identities, and perspectives to apply.

EEO/AA Employer.