Employment Specialist – Community Integrated Employment (CIE)Kaskaskia Workshop, Inc.
Serving Marion, Clinton, Jefferson & Washington Counties
Starting Pay: $22/hour
Full-Time
Do you enjoy building connections, helping people succeed, and making a real impact in your community?
Kaskaskia Workshop, Inc. is looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated Employment Specialist to join our Community Integrated Employment (CIE) program. In this role, you’ll help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) discover meaningful employment opportunities, build confidence, and thrive in the workplace.
This is not your typical desk job — you’ll spend time out in the community networking with employers, supporting individuals at job sites, and helping create inclusive employment opportunities throughout our service area.
This is also an exciting opportunity to join a newly developing program and department. While training and support will be provided, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems, developing community relationships, and helping shape the future of a growing CIE program from the ground up. The right candidate will have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the development and direction of the department.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Helping individuals identify career goals, strengths, and interests
- Building partnerships with local businesses and community employers
- Assisting with job development, interviews, onboarding, and retention
- Supporting individuals in gaining independence and workplace confidence
- Coordinating with DRS, families, support teams, and community partners
- Completing required CIE documentation, reports, and grant-related paperwork
- Maintaining accurate records and timely electronic documentation
- Providing guidance regarding benefits and employment resources
- Advocating for inclusive and competitive employment opportunities
What We’re Looking For
- Associate degree required; degree in Social Services, Human Services, Rehabilitation, Education, or related field strongly preferred
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities or in employment services preferred
- Strong computer skills and comfort with electronic documentation and report writing
- Ability to manage detailed paperwork, deadlines, and grant-related documentation requirements
- Knowledge of SSI, SSDI, and benefits planning is a plus
- Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
- Passion for community inclusion and person-centered support
- Ability to work independently and creatively problem-solve
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Schedule & Flexibility
This is a full-time position, primarily working daytime weekday hours (M-F, 8am-4pm). However, occasional flexibility is required to meet with prospective employers, attend community events, or support employment opportunities that may occur outside of normal business hours.
Why Join Kaskaskia Workshop?
At Kaskaskia Workshop, Inc., you’re not just filling a position — you’re helping individuals build independence, confidence, and meaningful futures through employment.
Benefits Include:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-the-job training
If you’re passionate about helping others succeed and want a career where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help create inclusive employment opportunities across our communities.
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Do you have an Associate degree or higher in Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Education, or a related field?
- How many years of experience do you have working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD)?
- Do you have experience with employment services, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, or workforce development?
- This is a developing department where the selected candidate will help shape processes and community partnerships. Are you comfortable working in a growing and evolving program?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and reliable transportation?
- This position may occasionally require flexibility outside normal business hours for employer meetings or community events. Are you able to accommodate occasional schedule flexibility?
- Have you worked for Kaskaskia Workshop, Bryan Manor, Penta Nascent, or Community Resource Center before?
Work Location: In person
