Question
2-5

Community Placement Specialist

8/11/2025

The Community Placement Specialist will market to local employers to develop individualized and group employment opportunities while coordinating services for assigned individuals. This includes providing career exploration, job development, job placement, and advocacy to assist individuals in obtaining competitive employment.

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
The Kennedy Center, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1951 as a grassroots effort initiated by parents of children with intellectual disabilities. The Kennedy Center empowers people with disabilities to reach their full potential. Headquartered in Trumbull, Connecticut, The Kennedy Center provides statewide services, with a focus in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The Kennedy Center is one of the largest and most highly regarded community rehabilitation organizations in the state. We support the special needs of children, teens, adults and seniors who have intellectual, developmental, mental health, physical, and other disabilities, focusing on their individual needs, dreams and aspirations while supporting them to thrive in their communities. We provide a wide range of services and supports: • Developmental, Independent Living Assessments • Therapeutic Services • Competitive Integrated and Supported Employment We believe in challenging the status quo, building community, creating purpose and ensuring inclusion.
About the Role

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.


Benefits:

· Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance

· Generous PTO

· 401k

· Disability

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Employee Assistance Program


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.

Requirements

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.

The Kennedy Collective invests in the success of all new employees by providing an immersive new hire orientation and training experience. Here’s what you can expect if you’re hired:

  • Two-week new hire orientation including an introduction to the agency, site tours, and employer-funded CPR & PMT certification.
  • Two weeks of job-specific trainings and shadowing at your worksite
  • Check-ins with Human Resources after your first 30, 60, and 90 days

The Kennedy Collective 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.

Key Skills
Community DevelopmentJob PlacementCareer CounselingJob CoachingAdvocacyNetworkingMarketingService CoordinationCase ManagementVocational TrainingCommunicationRecord KeepingEthicsSelf-DeterminationBuilding RelationshipsPhysical Intervention
Benefits
Medical, Vision and Dental InsuranceGenerous PTO401kDisabilityTuition ReimbursementEmployee Assistance Program
Apply Now

Please let The Kennedy Collective Inc know you found this job on InterviewPal. This helps us grow!

Apply Now
Prepare for Your Interview

We scan and aggregate real interview questions reported by candidates across thousands of companies. This role already has a tailored question set waiting for you.

Elevate your application

Generate a resume, cover letter, or prepare with our AI mock interviewer tailored to this job's requirements.