Employment First Specialist (HCT III) - Grand Junction Regional Center *Western

About Grand Junction Regional Center

Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC) is a collection of group homes that serves adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who need additional support to stabilize and return to community residential settings. GJRC's focus is on improving outcomes for individuals with IDD as well as promoting community integration. GJRC has a total of 10 homes nestled throughout established neighborhoods of Grand Valley. These homes feature warm, comfortable living spaces and private, fenced backyards with recreation equipment.

The Employment First Specialist is responsible for providing individualized employment support services to residents with developmental disabilities, with the goal of securing and sustaining competitive, integrated employment. This role includes job coaching, skills training, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement vocational plans tailored to each individual’s strengths and interests. The specialist ensures a safe, supportive work environment while promoting independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized job coaching and skills training to residents with developmental disabilities at community-based work sites
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess residents’ vocational interests, strengths, and support needs
• Develop and implement formal and informal employment plans aligned with each resident’s Service Plan (SP)
• Modify job tasks and environments as needed to promote independence and job success
• Track and document all service hours, support activities, and progress using designated data systems (e.g., Therap)
• Maintain ongoing communication with employers to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns related to resident performance
• Promote gradual worker independence by reducing on-site support as appropriate
• Provide transportation or support in learning transportation skills as needed for job access
• Assist with behavior management, medication administration, and personal care during job support hours when necessary
• Uphold safety, dignity, and rights of all residents at job sites, intervening when necessary to prevent harm

Education, Licensure, Certification, Experience

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to working with or for populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Substitutions: Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Special Qualifications

Must be QMAP trained or hold a valid LPT license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dependable, adaptable, and responsible

Conditions of Employment

• Full background check: CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA, Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers) and reference check required
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License
• Shift Work – GJRC is a 24/7 facility; must be available to work any shift, any day and/or any area to meet agency needs
• Travel – Drive state car, van or bus to various group homes, programming, admin and in the community
• TB test is required; influenza and other vaccines as required by state and facility; must be 18 years or older
• Pre-employment Physical/Tests – Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects
• Annual recertification is required for CORE skills including CPR, suctioning, transfers and lift use, wheelchair securement, Safety Care
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information and provide explanations and prior employee number; failure to do so may disqualify the applicant

Appeal Rights

If you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form and delivered to the State Personnel Board within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action. For more information, go to spb.colorado.gov or contact the State Personnel Board at (303) 866-3300.

How to Apply

The assessment process and application details are provided in the official recruitment materials. For additional recruiting questions, please contact natasha.story@state.co.us.

About Us

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, health coverage, paid leave, and employee wellness programs, among others. Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

We believe in a people-first approach, balance, accountability, transparency, ethics, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. CDHS is committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. ADAA accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~