Employment Specialist - CO

Job Title: Employment Specialist - CO Department: Employment Services CO Reports To: Employment Services Director Date: July 2026 Job Summary: The Employment Specialist works directly with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve independence in all aspects of their work life.

Vista Cares supported employment program strives to connect people with job opportunities, provide job coaching, and support them in maintaining long-term employment.

This role requires a client-focused approach and the ability to adapt to diverse individual needs.

The perfect candidate is passionate about employment support, possesses strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and is committed to helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment.

Key Responsibilities: Individualized Employment Support: Develop and implement individualized employment plans, including job search strategies, resume building, interview preparation, and workplace accommodations.

Job Placement & Coaching: Assist individuals in securing and maintaining jobs, providing ongoing coaching to improve job performance.

Provide hands-on support to help individuals build skills, solve problems and gain confidence.

Workplace Collaboration: Partner with employers to ensure a supportive, inclusive work environment.

Assessment & Planning: Conduct assessments to identify strengths, skills, and needs, and adjust employment strategies accordingly.

Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of employment services, progress, and client needs.

Collaboration: Work closely with Vista Care team members, school districts, case managers, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, families, and community partners to support career goals.

Advocacy: Maintain open communication with employers to remove barriers.

Promote inclusive hiring practices and ensure individuals are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.

Qualifications and Experience: Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or other barriers to employment preferred.

Experience in job coaching, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, education, human services, or a related field preferred.

Experience developing professional relationships with employers and community partners is preferred.

Experience maintaining documentation and meeting compliance requirements preferred.

Technical Skills: Ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic health records (EHRs), documentation systems, and employment service databases as applicable.

Ability to maintain accurate service documentation and billing records.

Ability to navigate email, virtual meeting platforms, and other business technology tools.

Ability to organize schedules, track multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Knowledge/Competencies Knowledge of person-centered practices and community-based employment supports.

Knowledge of s...