Job Description
Job Description:
Job Title: Employment Specialist
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Department: CB ACT
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Summary:
Join our compassionate and collaborative team as an Employment Specialist, where you will play a vital role in helping individuals achieve meaningful, competitive employment and long‑term vocational success. This position offers the opportunity to make a real difference by empowering clients through individualized career planning, job placement, and ongoing support. If you are passionate about workforce development, enjoy building relationships, and are motivated to help others overcome barriers to employment, this role allows you to make a lasting impact while working alongside a supportive, mission‑driven team.
In this role, you will support clients through all phases of vocational services, including assessment, job development, placement, and retention. You will leverage your knowledge of the local labor market, collaborate with employers, advocate for clients, and provide on‑the‑job support to promote long‑term employment success and independence.
This position offers…
· Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
· Mileage Reimbursement – Company paid for work functions requiring travel
· Employee Discounts – Hotels, Theme Parks & Attractions, College Tuition
· Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting a healthy, joyful workforce
· Additional Perks & Benefits - Scroll down to bottom of this post to learn more
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide individualized vocational services including career planning, job development, placement, and retention support
· Assist clients in identifying strengths, skills, abilities, and employment goals through interviews and community‑based activities
· Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to support individualized employment plans
· Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities
· Advocate for clients with employers, referral sources, families, and other stakeholders
· Educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and support reasonable job accommodations
· Teach and reinforce job‑seeking and job‑retention skills to promote long‑term success
· Assist clients with benefits planning related to employment, wages, and work‑hour changes
· Provide on‑site or off‑site job supports as needed to support retention
· Maintain frequent communication with referral sources and identify potential referrals
· Track and report job development outcomes including placements, retention, and areas of concern
· Respond to workplace‑related crises involving clients when needed
· Travel extensively within the community to conduct job development and provide client transportation as required
· Promote services and clients through community outreach, events, presentations, and employer engagement
· Adhere to confidentiality, CARF, and contractual standards at all times
· Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership
Education, Experience, and/or Credential Qualifications:
· High School diploma or equivalent required
· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution preferred
· Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing employment services
· Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, case management, and community‑based employment services preferred
Additional Qualifications:
· Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and current auto insurance
· Ability to travel extensively and transport clients as required
· Strong customer service, communication, and relationship‑building skills
· Proficiency with computers including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and electronic documentation systems
· Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, or overnights as needed
· Must provide evidence of freedom from infectious or contagious disease (e.g., TB) prior to employment and annually thereafter when required
Physical Requirements
· Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally
· Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and arm movements for typing and documentation
· Ability to sit for extended periods with occasional walking or standing
· Ability to meet the physical demands of a sedentary work environment
Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness
Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Places for People is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.