Community Employment Specialist

Overview:
We are "making dreams come true." Our organization provides children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges—and their families—the education, support, and resources needed to be self-reliant, independent, and valued members of their communities.
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Community Employment Specialist to help individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful, integrated employment within their communities. In this role, you will work one-on-one with individuals to identify employment opportunities, develop workplace skills, and support their success on the job. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys coaching, relationship building, advocacy, and helping others reach their goals.
What You'll Bring:
• Passion for helping individuals achieve independence and employment success.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals, employers, families, and community partners.
• Patience, flexibility, and creativity when teaching new skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.
• Strong problem-solving and coaching skills.
• Commitment to person-centered supports and community inclusion.
What You'll Have:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Experience providing coaching, training, mentoring, or support services preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable vehicle available for transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain State Police Criminal Record and Child Abuse clearances.
• FBI clearance required for individuals who do not meet Pennsylvania residency requirements.
• Ability to complete required documentation accurately and timely.
A Typical Day May Include:
• Assisting individuals in identifying and obtaining community-based employment opportunities.
• Developing relationships with local employers and promoting employment opportunities.
• Learning job tasks and workplace expectations to effectively train and support individuals.
• Providing on-site job coaching and individualized training.
• Monitoring progress and helping individuals develop job skills and independence.
• Supporting individuals as they integrate into workplace environments and natural supports.
• Communicating regularly with employers regarding performance, training needs, and successes.
• Conducting assessments and gathering information to support employment planning.
• Completing documentation, progress notes, reports, and employment-related records.
• Transporting individuals to job sites and community employment activities when necessary.
• Collaborating with families, support teams, and community partners to ensure employment success.
• Encouraging self-advocacy, independence, and achievement of individualized employment goals.

Perks with a Purpose
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.
Healthcare
• Teladoc Virtual Health
Financial Well-being
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts
Life & Family Support
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select events and services
• Generous Paid Time Off
Who is Barber National Institute?
The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE
Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.