What Does a Supported Employment Specialist Do?

The Supported Employment Specialist plays an integral role in facilitating career opportunities for individuals facing employment barriers, often due to disabilities or socio-economic challenges. By fostering a network of understanding employers and creating tailored job placement strategies, this professional ensures that candidates not only secure positions that match their skills and interests but also receive the necessary support to thrive in their roles. Through ongoing guidance, training, and advocacy, the specialist works to break down workplace barriers, promoting an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and each individual’s potential can be fully realized. This role embodies the commitment to empowering people by championing equal employment opportunities and supporting them in achieving their career aspirations.

Supported Employment Specialist Job Duties

• Assess clients’ vocational skills, interests, and challenges through interviews and evaluations to match them with suitable job opportunities.
• Develop individualized employment plans that outline the steps and support needed for clients to achieve their employment goals.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers to identify job openings and create employment opportunities for clients.
• Provide job coaching and on-the-job support to clients, including assistance with job tasks, workplace accommodations, and interpersonal communication.
• Coordinate with vocational training programs and educational institutions to arrange skill development opportunities for clients.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation for clients.
• Advocate for clients with employers and other external parties to ensure fair treatment and compliance with disability rights laws.
• Monitor and document clients’ progress in their employment journey, adjusting their employment plans as necessary to address any challenges or changes in their goals.

Supported Employment Specialist Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Supported Employment Specialist’s salary include years of experience, the employing organization’s size and funding, the complexity of client needs they manage, and their success rate in placing clients into meaningful employment. Specialization in high-demand areas, such as technology or healthcare, may also influence earnings.

• Median Annual Salary: $46,725 ($22.46/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $109,800 ($52.79/hour)

The employment of supported employment specialists is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing awareness and support for individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, and other barriers to employment. Supported Employment Specialists play a crucial role in integrating these individuals into the workforce, fostering diversity, and meeting employers’ needs for a diverse talent pool.

Supported Employment Specialist Job Requirements

Education: A Supported Employment Specialist typically holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, with majors often in psychology, social work, or a related field. High school diploma holders may also qualify, ideally having taken courses in psychology or social sciences. Education in these areas equips candidates with the necessary understanding of diverse client needs, developmental disabilities, and strategies for vocational support, ensuring they can effectively assist individuals in securing and maintaining employment.

Experience: Supported Employment Specialists typically come from diverse backgrounds, with a significant portion having experience ranging from just over six months to several years. Ideal candidates often have hands-on experience in vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, or related fields. On-the-job training is common, allowing newcomers to learn directly from seasoned professionals. Training programs focusing on developing skills in job placement, support strategies, and understanding workplace accommodations are also crucial. Experience working with individuals with disabilities or in career counseling can be particularly valuable.

Certifications & Licenses: Supported Employment Specialist positions typically do not require specific certifications or licenses. However, certifications such as Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) can be beneficial. Some roles may require a valid driver’s license depending on job duties and location.

Supported Employment Specialist Skills

Job Development: A nuanced approach is essential for matching the unique abilities and interests of individuals with disabilities to suitable employment opportunities. This skill involves conducting thorough market research and personalized client assessments. It also requires building robust relationships with local businesses and comprehensively understanding job accommodations to ensure clients are seamlessly integrated into the workforce.

Employer Engagement: Maintaining strong connections with businesses and organizations opens up a diverse range of job opportunities for clients. Effective communication, negotiation, and networking are crucial for aligning client skills with employer needs, which supports long-term employment success.

Vocational Assessment: Tailoring employment strategies to an individual’s work-related abilities, interests, and support needs is achieved through detailed analysis and interpretation of assessment outcomes. This process ensures that job seekers are matched with the most suitable employment opportunities, increasing the likelihood of job retention and satisfaction.

Workforce Integration: Ensuring that individuals with disabilities smoothly transition and adapt to the workforce involves equipping both employees and employers with the necessary tools and strategies for success. Customizing job coaching, workplace accommodations, and providing ongoing support are key to meeting the unique needs of each client, creating an inclusive and productive work environment.

Disability Awareness Training: Acquiring the knowledge and sensitivity to effectively respond to various disabilities is crucial. It allows for the tailoring of employment strategies that accommodate individual capabilities and needs, promoting a workplace culture of diversity and acceptance.

Career Counseling: By assisting clients in identifying their strengths, interests, and abilities, suitable job opportunities that align with their career aspirations can be identified. Utilizing assessment tools, conducting one-on-one counseling sessions, and developing personalized employment plans facilitate successful job placements and career advancement for clients with diverse needs.

Supported Employment Specialist Work Environment

A Supported Employment Specialist operates in a dynamic environment, often splitting time between an office setting and various community locations. The physical setting transitions from desk-based tasks, involving computers and phones, to on-site visits at employers or job sites. This necessitates a mobile setup, with laptops and smartphones being crucial tools for coordination and support.

Work hours can be unconventional, tailored around the needs of clients, which might include evenings or weekends. The dress code varies, aiming for professionalism in the office and adaptability in the field, matching the environment of the day’s appointments.

The role is inherently social, involving constant interaction with clients, employers, and other stakeholders. This creates a vibrant but demanding emotional environment, where empathy and resilience are paramount. Opportunities for professional development are frequent, aimed at enhancing the specialist’s ability to support diverse client needs effectively.

In essence, the work environment is characterized by its variability, requiring adaptability, and a strong focus on interpersonal relationships.

Advancement Prospects

Supported Employment Specialists can advance their careers by transitioning into roles with greater responsibility, such as Program Coordinators or Managers within vocational rehabilitation or community service organizations. This progression often involves taking on more complex cases, leading teams, or managing programs that support individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment.

To accomplish these advancements, specialists should focus on gaining extensive experience in the field, demonstrating success in supporting clients effectively, and showing an ability to innovate and adapt programs to meet diverse needs. Developing a deep understanding of labor laws, disability rights, and employment support techniques is crucial.

Engaging in specialized projects or committees that aim to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities can also highlight a specialist’s leadership potential and commitment to the field, making them strong candidates for advanced positions.