Employment/Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionEmployment & Housing Specialist
The hybrid Employment & Housing Specialist is a highly engaged, mission-driven role that provides one-on-one support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they navigate both employment and housing goals. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on meaningful connection, purposeful structure, and a mix of fieldwork and administrative responsibilities.

The Specialist supports individuals in securing stable housing, developing job readiness skills, obtaining employment, and building long-term independence in their community. The ideal candidate is flexible, creative, organized, and deeply committed to empowering individuals to reach their unique personal, vocational, and housing goals.Overview
The Employment & Housing Specialist works directly with clients to support their employment readiness, job placement, housing stability, and community integration. This includes assessments, service planning, job development, housing navigation, independent living skills training, and ongoing support.
Key Responsibilities
Employment Readiness & Client Assessment

• Maintain an active assignment caseload of individuals receiving services through DDA who are pursuing competitive employment and/or housing stability
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand strengths, needs, preferences, support systems, and individual goals across employment and housing domains
• Complete intake assessments to determine job readiness, barriers, vocational goals, housing needs, and risk factors
• Develop individualized employment and housing service plans in collaboration with each person
• Prepare vocational profiles and housing plans to guide job development and housing navigation processes

Job Development & Community Engagement

• Visit and engage local businesses to identify work experiences such as informational interviews, job shadows, situational assessments, and job tryouts
• Identify job opportunities aligned with each client’s skills, interests, and goals
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, landlords, property managers, community partners, and workforce organizations
• Attend community events, job fairs, and housing networking opportunities to expand employment and housing options
• Advocate for clients when negotiating job offers, workplace accommodations, leases, and rental agreements

Housing Services & Support

• Navigate housing assistance programs including Section 8, HUD programs, HOPWA, and Maryland IDD-specific housing initiatives.
• Assist individuals in applying for housing programs, waiting lists, and rental opportunities
• Conduct pre-inspections for move-ins and relocations; coordinate with housing inspectors to ensure compliance
• Develop and identify housing opportunities and maintain updated knowledge of affordable housing resources
• Serve as liaison between clients, landlords, and community partners to support communication and resolve housing-related issues
• Support clients with budgeting, rental readiness, household management, and independent living skills
• Coordinate and manage annual housing recertifications and documentation

Skill Development & Employment Preparation

• Provide support with resume writing, job applications, and career exploration
• Conduct mock interviews, role-play exercises, and workplace etiquette coaching
• Provide travel training to support independent commuting for work and community access
• Facilitate independent living skill development including home upkeep, budgeting, transportation, and community safety

On-the-Job Support & Coaching

• Deliver on-site and off-site job coaching to support successful job integration and long-term retention
• Provide systematic instruction for job tasks to promote independence and confidence
• Work collaboratively with employers to develop fade-out plans and ensure long-term job success
• Support positive workplace relationships between the individual and their coworkers/supervisors

Program Implementation & Coordination

• Organize and conduct structured group and individual activities that support employment goals, housing goals, and independent living skills.
• Provide direct service interventions aligned with the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
• Perform field-based outreach and community support—approximately 70–80% of work in community settings.
• Offer supportive counseling, resource linkage, crisis stabilization, and advocacy as needed.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive documentation including progress notes, housing plans, vocational profiles, assessments, PCP updates, and required employment forms
• Track measurable outcomes including placements, housing retention, job retention, and skill acquisition
• Prepare and submit reports for internal teams, DDA, MIH, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and agency requirements for both employment and housing services

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in team meetings and multidisciplinary coordination to support client progress.
• Maintain strong communication with all members of a person’s support network.
• Complete required trainings, including ACRE and/or CESP certification and the MIH Housing Certificate.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge of best practices in employment and housing supports.
• Represent the agency at community meetings, collaborative initiatives, and partner events.

Education

• Minimum Associate degree with 5+ years of experience in IDD services, employment support, housing navigation, case management, or related fields.

Experience

• Experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, or employment services
• Knowledge of affordable housing programs, rental assistance programs, and landlord/tenant laws
• Familiarity with the DDA service system, eligibility processes, and funding mechanisms
• Background in job coaching, workplace accommodations, or independent living skills support is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Maryland driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must have or be willing to obtain:
  • ACRE or CESP certification (employment)
  • Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH) certificate (housing)

Working Conditions

• Work performed in community settings, client homes, housing locations, and employment sites
• Frequent local travel required
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening/weekend needs
• Administrative duties completed using standard computer equipment and agency systems
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment centered on inclusion, independence, and client support

Compensation & Core Benefits

• Annual Salary: $60,000–$70,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• PTO and paid holidays
• Mileage reimbursement
• Flexible scheduling to support both employment and housing service needs

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities
• Background in disability advocacy
• Experience with assistive technology or communication devices
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in community integration and skill development

Allied Community Care Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and individuals served.

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