Employment Specialist II - East Metro

Lifeworks is hiring a full-time Employment Specialist II to support adults with disabilities in finding meaningful employment and provide on-the-job coaching for those already working in the community. In this role, you’ll manage a caseload, attend intakes and annual meetings, complete required documentation, and collaborate with individuals and their support teams to deliver person-centered planning and services that empower success.

Position Title: Employment Specialist II

Department: Employment Services

Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Anoka, Ramsey, & Washington counties

Compensation: $20 - $21.50 per hour

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Lifeworks is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive, and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate, and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in our communities.

• Are capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Meet the standards of a Designated Coordinator.
• Understand and communicate written and verbal directions.
• Have regular attendance, reliability and punctuality is necessary to meet the needs of the business.
• Are well organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Work independently with excellent time management skills.
• Work effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Establish and cultivate strong relationships.
• Take initiative and strengthen relationships with current and new community partners.
• Must pass a background study with the Department of Human Services, a drug test, clean driving record and have reliable transportation to use for work driving purposes (e.g., in-office, on-site training locations, etc.).

• Managing a caseload of individuals with disabilities at various stages of their careers, including those seeking employment, those in early career stages, and those needing support to maintain or advance in their current jobs. Providing direct support and guidance to individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment. Providing follow-up and ongoing support to ensure individuals maintain employment and meet their professional goals.
• Supporting clients in navigating workplace challenges, advocating for reasonable accommodations when necessary, and fostering positive relationships with employers.
• Initiating, developing, and maintaining relationships and community contacts to increase access to the most inclusive employment and social opportunities for individuals. Providing job search opportunities as needed to help individuals obtain employment of their choosing.
• Utilizing the E1MN framework to ensure effective and person-centered services. Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers, and community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals.
• Developing and implementing individualized employment and support plans that align with clients’ goals and preferences, in accordance with MN DHS 245D, Rule 9554 guidelines, VRS policies,…