Employment Program Manager

About RISE Services

RISE Services is a private human services organization that supports individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment. We specialize in Individual Supported Employment, delivering person-centered, community-based services that help individuals identify career goals, secure real jobs with real employers, and build the skills and supports needed for long-term success.

Our services are provided in highly regulated funding environments and require strict adherence to service authorizations, documentation standards, and compliance requirements. RISE Services operates with a strong emphasis on professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. We partner with individuals, families, employers, and community stakeholders to remove barriers to employment and promote independence, inclusion, and economic self-sufficiency.

Job Purpose

The Employment Program Manager (EPM) is a hands-on, working supervisor responsible for delivering direct employment services while providing day-to-day leadership and oversight to Employment Specialists. This is an entry-level management role that remains heavily focused on direct, in-person client support in community and workplace settings.

The EPM maintains a caseload and delivers a minimum of 30 billable hours per week of direct Individual Supported Employment services, including job coaching, employer engagement, and employment retention supports. In addition to direct service delivery, the EPM supports staff performance, ensures service quality and compliance, and helps maintain continuity of services when staffing challenges arise.

This role is primarily community-based and requires regular travel to job sites, employer locations, and community settings. It is not a remote position. The EPM plays a critical role in protecting earned revenue, ensuring authorized services are delivered, and supporting individuals to succeed at work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program & Service Delivery Oversight

• Ensure employment services are delivered in alignment with Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), service authorizations, and regulatory requirements
• *Monitor service delivery through direct observation and participation in community and workplace settings to ensure individuals receive appropriate job development, job coaching, and retention supports
• Identify service gaps or barriers and implement corrective strategies

Direct Service Delivery (Billable)

• *Maintain a required caseload and provide a minimum of 30 billable hours per week of direct, in-person Individual Supported Employment services
• *Deliver in-person job coaching, employer engagement, and employment retention supports in community and workplace settings
• *Observe, assess, and support individuals at job sites to address real-time performance, accommodations, and workplace integration
• Model best practices in service delivery and documentation

Staff Supervision & Accountability

• Provide supervision to Employment Specialists, including regular check-ins and performance feedback
• Assign and balance caseloads to ensure authorized hours are fully utilized
• Address performance concerns promptly and escalate issues as required
• Participate in performance evaluations, corrective action, and improvement planning
• Ensure adequate client coverage across your service region and serve as a backup direct service provider during staffing shortages, call-outs, or coverage gaps to prevent interruption of authorized services

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all progress notes and employment documentation are accurate, timely, and aligned with service authorizations
• Review documentation for quality, compliance, and audit readiness
• Respond promptly to documentation corrections or compliance findings
• Protect the organization from billing loss due to documentation or service delivery errors

Quality Assurance & Outcomes

• Monitor employment outcomes, including job placements and retention
• Participate in audits, internal reviews, and quality improvement initiatives
• Implement corrective actions to address repeat issues or systemic concerns

Training & Support

• Support onboarding and training of new Employment Specialists
• Reinforce documentation standards, service expectations, and professional conduct
• Share best practices and updates related to supported employment services

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with the Assistant Director of Programs and Director of Operations on service coverage and operational needs
• Communicate effectively with employers, referral partners, and internal stakeholders
• Represent RISE Services professionally in the community

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program needs and organizational priorities

Duties marked with an asterisk () are considered essential functions of the position and require regular, in-person presence in community and workplace settings. These functions cannot be performed remotely on a routine basis.*

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Rehabilitation, or a related field with at least three (3) years of experience in supported employment or vocational services
  OR
• High school diploma with at least seven (7) years of experience in supported employment or vocational services

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle
• Ability and willingness to transport clients (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Supervisory or staff-mentoring experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of supported employment models and employment outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to manage documentation, compliance, and competing priorities
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently in community-based settings

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily community-based and requires frequent travel to job sites and community locations. The role involves standing, walking, reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, and prolonged computer use for documentation. Work is sedentary to light physical in nature, with occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds. The work environment varies between community job sites and administrative settings.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

RISE Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.