Community Placement Specialist

  • Trumbull
  • The Kennedy Collective
Job Description Job Description

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community , Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals’ development, well-being, and growth.

In 1951, The Kennedy Center was founded to create a safe space where individuals with disabilities would have the same opportunities as every other person. We believe every life is sacred and every individual brings value to their relationships, their work, and their communities.

Since then, a consistent thread of giving back has been woven into the fabric of The Kennedy Collective SM and all we do. Having grown from a program serving 15 children to a multifaceted organization that positively impacts over 2000 individuals with disabilities annually, our commitment to creating pathways for people to thrive by unleashing potential and empowering abilities is as strong today as it was yesterday.


Job purpose:

Market to local employers to develop both individualized and group employment opportunities and coordinate and facilitate services for assigned individuals which may include career exploration/counseling, job development, job placement, work skills evaluation, job coaching, and/or advocacy.

Competencies : (6)

  • Person-Centered Supports: 15%
  • Building Strategic Relations: 15%
  • Justice, Fairness and Equity: 15%
  • Self-Determination: 15%
  • Advocacy: 15%
  • Ethics/Integrity: 25%

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Market to local employers to develop both individualized and group employment opportunities.
  • Coordinate and facilitate services for assigned individuals which may include career exploration/counseling, job development, job placement, work skills evaluation, job coaching, and/or advocacy.
  • Provide supports, based on individual need, to assist individuals in obtaining competitive employment and retention, which includes case management and service coordination.
  • Receive supervision from the Employment Services Manager regarding administrative and program implementation and compliance; receive supervision from the Marketing & Employer Relations
  • Manager regarding marketing and job development. Much of the daily operations with individuals must be coordinated without direct supervision.
  • Provide job development and employment supports as needed.
  • Develop community-based jobs for individuals based on individual interests, preferences and needs, as contracted by referring entity.
  • Provide vocational training and career counseling to prepare individuals for employment by acquainting individuals with marketable skills and workplace accepted standards.
  • Develop placement plans, evaluation sites and community-based jobs for individuals.
  • Maintain daily written records of service notes and evaluation results for submission of required service documentation.
  • Present written reports to funding source, individual and family.
  • Maintain open communication with employers and outside agencies as relevant to individuals.
  • Provide feedback to staff on employment trends and job opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate records and files according to agency.
  • Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in one of the behavioral sciences preferred.
  • Three years of experience in networking, marketing, and/or community business development.
  • One year job development/employment experience with people with disabilities preferred.
  • May be required to communicate in another language and understand another culture i.e., Spanish, sign language.
  • Valid Driver’s License and must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
  • You are required to be in possession of a car on site during your entire shift to transport yourself and/or individuals to community sites in all weather conditions and throughout all neighborhoods.
  • Depending upon assignment, must be able to work in a variety of settings, weather conditions and locations.
  • Must maintain PMT and CPR Aid certification.
  • Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.
  • Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
  • Communicate clearly in oral and written form on a constant basis.
  • Work independently, utilize good judgment, and possess a strong sense of initiative.

Physical Requirements:

  • Provide physical interventions which may include lifting, mobility, first aid, and safety evacuations
  • Move weights up to 10 lbs. on a constant basis and 15 lbs. on an occasional basis.


Our employee benefits package includes Medical & Dental, Life / AD&D, Disability, Paid time off and Retirement.

The Kennedy CollectiveSM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.


Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Can vary week to week (i.e., may be required to work outside the traditional hours including, but not limited to evenings and weekends).

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