Employment Services Professional

Position: Employment Support Professional (ESP)                               

Schedule: Part-time with the potential for Full-time based on availability 

Pay: $24-25 depending on experience

Location: This is an in-person role that requires travel to various locations throughout the Portland area. 

 

Employment Services Position: 

As an Employment Support Professional (ESP), you will support clients from diverse backgrounds as they pursue competitive, integrated employment. Many clients may face barriers related to intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or other life circumstances, and your role is to help them identify their strengths, build skills, and secure employment that aligns with their interests and abilities. 

In this role, you will assess each client’s skills and goals, help develop individualized employment plans, and build relationships with employers and community partners to create job opportunities. You will also provide practical job search support, including resume building, cover letter assistance, and interview preparation. 

You will work closely with the Employment Services team to help clients advocate for their employment goals and succeed in long-term placements. This may include creating task lists, developing workplace support, and providing on-the-job coaching to help clients build confidence, maintain employment, and grow in their roles. Throughout the process, you will serve as both an advocate and a job coach, supporting each client’s progress toward greater independence. 

We are looking for someone who is professional, compassionate, organized, and able to manage multiple clients with varying levels of need. A successful ESP is confident, adaptable, and committed to supporting clients in their career development. This is an in-person role that requires travel to various locations throughout the Portland area. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide community-based Employment Path services that support individuals in developing skills needed for competitive employment 

• Facilitate activities focused on:  

• Communication and workplace behavior 

• Time management and organization 

• Independent living and community navigation 

• Support individuals in career exploration and identifying employment goals 

• Coordinate and participate in:  

• Informational interviews 

• Community-based learning opportunities 

• Promote independence and confidence through real-world experience 

• Provide on-site job coaching to individuals in competitive, integrated work settings 

• Assist individuals in:  

• Learning and maintaining job tasks 

• Understanding workplace expectations and routines 

• Building positive relationships with coworkers and supervisors 

• Support successful job retention and long-term employment outcomes 

• Gradually reduce support as individuals build independence (fading support) 

• Participate in shared transition support with Job Developers 

• Attend client meet-and-greets and employment planning sessions 

• Maintain consistent communication with:  

• Employment Program Manager 

• Job Development Strategist  

• Client Employers (as appropriate) 

• Complete timely and accurate service documentation 

• Ensure services are aligned with employment goals and service requirements (ODDS and/or other funding sources) 

• Track client progress, skill development, and outcomes 

General job requirements: 

• Pass a criminal background check 

• Maintain prompt communication with supervisors, FRR office staff, coworkers, clients and/or parents and guardians via email, phone, and text. 

• Complete required Daily ADL’s (Progress Notes) and Quarterly Reports to meet the state-mandated requirements for content and timeliness.   

• Attend occasional in-person staff meetings or community events.  

• Perform additional support duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

• This position is in-person, in the community. Must have reliable transportation, valid Drivers License and current auto insurance. 

 

Job Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 1 year of professional caregiving experience 
  OR at least 6 months of experience as a job coach, employment specialist, or in a related employment services role 

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving meaningful employment and community inclusion 

• Ability to work independently in community-based settings while maintaining strong collaboration with clients, team members, and supervisors 

• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to changing situations and tailor supports to individual needs 

• Excellent professional communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to interact appropriately with clients, employers, and team members 

• Comfortable using technology for daily work tasks, including: 

• Mobile devices (cell phone or tablet) 

• Time tracking systems 

• Electronic documentation and progress notes 

 

Benefits: 

• Paid sick time and holiday pay 

• Vacation time (available after 3 months) 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance 

• 401k benefits with company match (after 1 year) 

• Annual raises of up to 4%, depending on performance 

• Free gym membership with MUV Fitness.