About Buckner Employment Service & Training (BEST)
Buckner Employment Service & Training (BEST) provides customized vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. Our clients are primarily referred through Disability Services Boards in Butler, Warren, Hamilton, and Montgomery counties, as well as through the State of Ohio’s Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) program. Occasionally, families and individuals self-refer after hearing about our impact.
At BEST, we use person-centered planning to create Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), guiding clients through four key phases:
Discovery, Development, Coaching, Retention
Additional auxiliary services, including transition support, bridge programs, and life skills training, are available as needed. Our team remains flexible to meet each client’s unique needs.
Mission Statement
At BEST, our mission is to empower individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabilities by providing personalized vocational rehabilitation services. Through comprehensive career planning, job development, coaching, and customized employment support, we help individuals achieve meaningful employment or self-employment and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to person-centered practices that honor each individual’s strengths, choices, and aspirations.
Vision Statement
We envision a world where every person with a disability has the opportunity to pursue fulfilling, sustainable employment in an inclusive workforce. BEST strives to be a leader in vocational rehabilitation by fostering community partnerships, promoting high expectations, and championing the belief that everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society through work.
Open Positions
Employment Specialist
Job Type: Hybrid / Field-Based
Schedule: Varies (based on client and agency needs)
Service Area: Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Clermont, and Montgomery Counties in Ohio
Primary Office Location: West Chester, OH
Position Overview
As an Employment Specialist at BEST, you will be cross trained across multiple service delivery methods to provide comprehensive support to individuals with disabilities, although one key service method will be your focus area. This role requires flexibility and adaptability to meet diverse client needs while maintaining the highest standards of professional service.
1. Career Discovery
- Conduct person-centered assessments to identify client Preferences, Interests, Needs for Support, and Skills (PINS)
- Create a Career Discovery Profile (CDP) to inform employment planning
- Develop action steps and recommendations for community-based employment
2. Job Development
- Match clients with job opportunities that align with their skills and interests
- Support clients with job search preparation: resumes, applications, mock interviews, and assessments
- Network with employers to build inclusive hiring partnerships
3. Job Coaching
- Provide on-site, individualized instruction for newly employed clients
- Develop a Job Task Analysis and Coaching Plan with performance benchmarks
- Support integration into the workplace and establish natural supports
4. Job Retention
- Deliver ongoing support once coaching is phased out
- Monitor job performance and satisfaction through regular check-ins
- Address challenges and coordinate with employers and agencies to ensure long-term success
5. Auxiliary Support
- Assist with enabling services such as transportation, clothing, or accommodations necessary for participation in vocational services
General Responsibilities
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client information
- Provide counseling and guidance throughout service delivery
- Complete comprehensive and accurate documentation in a timely manner
- Participate in ongoing professional development and training
- Serve as liaison between clients, employers, and vocational rehabilitation staff
- Be cross-functional and flexible across service types
- Adaptable to individual client needs as well as to other duties the agency may need
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation
- Proficient with computers and basic technology
Essential Soft Skills
- Ability to fully understand client needs and concerns through active listening and empathy
- Adaptability and flexibility when approaching the needs of the client and team
- Creative problem-solving that provides innovative solutions to overcome employment barriers
- Clear, professional communication, keeping clients, employers, and team members informed
- Patience and perseverance when working with diverse populations and encountering obstacles
- Punctuality and reliability in completion of responsibilities
- Professional demeanor in all interactions, maintaining a code of ethics
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a cover letter identifying which service method you are interested in the most to office@bucknersbest.com. Join our team and help transform lives through meaningful employment!
BEST is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and clients.
Internships
Current internship availability is only for our Employment Specialist position. Other roles will eventually be open.
Internships have the potential to become permanent positions. Internships can also be taken, and are encouraged to be taken, for longer than a single semester.
Those who wish to make a career in this field, but still have plans for further education can apply for an apprenticeship after completing a semester as an intern.
Submit your resume and a cover letter identifying your interest in an internship as an employment specialist and which service method you would like to focus on the most to recruiting@bucknersbest.com. Join our team and help transform lives through meaningful employment!
Micro-Internships
Employment Specialist not your thing, but you love the idea of working for a meaningful organization? Or do you need experience for your portfolio? We have other project-based internships available. Current projects listed below:
- Website Redesign
- Database Creation
- Software Development via Progressive Web App or Mobile App
- Digital Communication / Marketing / Journalism
- Graphic Design
- E-commerce
- Language Interpretation
Submit your resume and a cover letter identifying your interest in a micro-internship and what skills you could contribute to the team at recruiting@bucknersbest.com. Join our team and help transform lives through meaningful employment!