Employment Specialist Supervisor

Job Title: Employment Supervisor

Department: Employment & Vocational Services

Reports To: Designated Manager

Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Location: Varies based on program need, but primarily Detroit Lakes, MN

Position Summary:

The Employment Supervisor is responsible for the oversight and leadership of staff delivering person-centered employment services under the Customized and Supported Employment Programs. This role ensures high-quality service delivery, compliance with funding and licensing requirements, and positive employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The Employment Supervisor also supports the development of employer relationships and the implementation of best practices in vocational support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervise and support a team of Employment Specialists/Placement Services Case Managers.

Oversee daily operations of employment services, ensuring adherence to 245D regulations and agency policies.

Facilitate staff training, coaching, and performance evaluations to promote professional development and service quality.

Monitor caseload distribution, service documentation, and data entry in compliance with VRS, Medicaid, and internal requirements.

Ensure timely and effective development and execution of Individual Employment Plans.

Support staff in delivering Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for youth (ages 14–21) and customized services for adults.

Provide guidance on benefits counseling and support staff in helping participants make informed employment decisions.

Assist in coordinating and strengthening employer relationships and community engagement to support job development.

Lead regular team meetings and interdisciplinary coordination with case managers, VRS counselors, and educational staff.

Review service delivery data to track outcomes such as job placements, retention rates, and participant satisfaction.

Participate in strategic planning and program development initiatives with leadership.

Address participant escalations or complex cases and model person-centered, strengths-based approaches.

Conduct field visits with staff as needed to support client services, relationship building, and service delivery oversight.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, or related field.

Minimum 3 years’ experience in supported employment or disability services; 1–2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Strong understanding of supported/customized employment practices and person-centered planning.

Familiarity with Medicaid waiver services, 245D regulations, and Vocational Rehabilitation funding streams.

Effective interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.

Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation for community-based supervision.

Core Competencies:

Leadership and team development

Culturally responsive and inclusive service delivery

Problem-solving and decision-making

Effective communication and documentation

Community and employer engagement

Working Conditions:

Combination of office-based and community-based work.

Flexible schedule including potential evening or weekend hours based on client/employer needs.

Travel required between service locations and in the community to support staff and clients.

Occasional exposure to emotionally challenging situations, requiring resilience and professionalism.