SPARK EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
The SPARK Employment Specialist coordinates and delivers pre-vocational, job planning, and supported employment services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) seeking Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) under the SPARK grant. This role involves job development, intensive training, long-term support, and advocacy to help participants overcome employment barriers and achieve successful integration into competitive workplaces. The specialist also manages data reporting, collaborates with stakeholders, and ensures compliance with ethical and safety standards.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Human Services — Disability Support & Vocational Rehabilitation.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The SPARK Employment Specialist will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to explore, prepare for, obtain, and retain competitive integrated employment (CIE) under the SPARK grant program. You will coordinate pre-vocational services, lead job development and job coaching activities, and provide ongoing supported employment services and data reporting required by the grant.
- Conduct outreach and informed-choice conversations about CIE with potential participants.
- Receive referrals, complete intake interviews, and help develop and monitor individualized service plans with the SPARK Navigator.
- Perform job development and targeted job search activities that align with each participant’s interests and strengths.
- Provide one-on-one, on-the-job training and retention support to participants and intervene on their behalf when needed.
- Develop supported internships and community-based work experiences.
- Teach workplace skills (interviewing, hygiene, social interaction, task completion) and model appropriate work behaviors.
- Coordinate with families, caregivers, employers, and internal teams to integrate complementary services.
- Collect, track, and submit grant-required data daily and maintain detailed case notes and case files.
- Complete initial and annual worksite safety checklists and other program documentation.
- Transport participants when necessary using a personal vehicle (reliable transportation required).
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure participant safety and report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately.
- Advocate to employers on behalf of participants, highlighting strengths and necessary job supports.
- Assess vocational functioning and interests using discovery, observation, and work experiences.
- Identify barriers to employment and design strategies and accommodations to support success.
- Attend mandatory agency trainings and meetings and follow the confidential client’s Code of Ethics and policies.
- Maintain punctuality, professional appearance, and a neat work area.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 18 years of age.
- Clean background record (ability to pass required background checks).
- Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and participate in random screenings thereafter.
- Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of experience in human services, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field.
- Experience working with IDD populations preferred.
- Strong belief in Competitive Integrated Employment for individuals with IDD.
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license, clean driving record, and proof of current insurance.
- NCI CORE certification required.
- May be required to receive Hepatitis B immunization, First Aid/CPR certification, or Medication Administration Certification.
Required Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication.
- Critical thinking and solution-focused problem solving.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple participants and deadlines.
- Ability to gather, track, and report large sets of data by predefined deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative approach.
- Comfortable using computers and case management software.
Compensation & Location
- Location: Raleigh, NC (on-site / community-based work required)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Estimated salary: $33,859 per year (estimated)
Travel across the community is required; using a personal vehicle for participant transport may be necessary.
About the Role & Confidential Client
This position is being recruited on behalf of a confidential client that operates in Human Services — Disability Support & Vocational Rehabilitation. The confidential client focuses on providing vocational supports, community-based services, and shared-service infrastructure to deliver high-quality outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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