Employment Specialist

29 Acres is a non-profit organization that serves adults with autism and other neurodiversity through a suite of support services including a living community, 2-year transition academy, day program, and employment support.

About the role

The Employment Specialist is an innovative and collaborative professional responsible for helping clients 16+ with autism and other neurodiversity achieve meaningful employment. This role primarily supports individuals living at the 29 Acres Living Community and students enrolled in the Transition Academy, utilizing services through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The Employment Specialist may also provide employment services to TWC clients who are not affiliated with 29 Acres, as well as HCS clients, on a case-by-case basis.

The Employment Specialist builds and maintains strong community partnerships to create employment opportunities that align with each individual's strengths, interests, and vocational goals. They guide clients through every stage of the employment process, including vocational assessment, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, job searching, employer outreach, work experiences, job placement, and individualized job coaching. Working closely with clients, families, employers, TWC counselors, and the interdisciplinary team, the Employment Specialist develops and implements individualized employment plans while providing ongoing support to promote job retention, increased independence, and career growth.

This position is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, meeting TWC service requirements and timelines, and ensuring services are person-centered and aligned with each client's vocational goals.

Responsibilities

• Forward and innovative thinking on employment opportunities in the community
• Develop a network and contacts within the community for employment needs and partnerships
• Work together with employment team for opportunities for clients
• Provide job follow-up services and understand how to fade supports to natural employment supports
• Develop and implement individualized employment plans with clients and ensure that they understand the metrics of each devised plan
• Perform other assignments as delegated by the leadership team
• Occasionally teach pre-employment vocational training
• Meet weekly with Director of Vocational Services to review client job search progress
• Conduct case notes in Slack with descriptive notes, observations, goals, successes, and feedback
• Maintain effective communication with all staff involved in the client’s vocational plan
• Communicate with client’s circle of support prior to accepting a job offer to ensure it is the right fit
• Meet 1-on-1 with clients to determine their backgrounds, career aspirations, and personalities to find successful competitive employment based on their interests, desires, and goals
• Follow up with employers after interviews to further assist with potential job offers
• Submit job applications for clients that meet their interests and skill sets
• Keep job application trackers up to date for each client using Google Sheets
• Provide pre-employment training such as elevator speech, resume writing, and interview prep
• Coordinate interviews with employers, being the main point of contact during the employment search
• Attend interviews, supporting and serving as an advocate for clients
• Provide onsite job coaching when clients are placed at a job site
• Provide some transportation for employment purposes to clients
• Check in with clients at or away from job site as indicated on their TWC employment plan
• Check in with job coaches and employers to ensure clients are continuing to meet expectations
• Assist clients with requesting time off or changing their availability as needed
• Obtain client’s weekly work schedule and share with Director of Vocational Services and Director of Transition Academy to ensure job coaching support is scheduled accordingly
• Monitor the 29 Acres Yahoo email account daily for client communications regarding job applications, interviews, and employment opportunities
• Check client Indeed accounts daily for messages, application updates, and employer correspondence
• Complete and submit all required TWC documentation accurately and within required timelines
• Maintain current ANE, HIPAA, and First Aid/CPR certifications and upload updated certifications to ADP
• Keep a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file in ADP at all times
• Maintain UNTWISE certification by completing all required continuing education units (CEUs) prior to expiration
• Submit mileage reimbursement through RAMP on a weekly basis
• Maintain regular communication with clients' parents and/or guardians, as appropriate, with a minimum of monthly contact
• Update the Employment Dashboard promptly whenever a client receives a job offer or experiences a change in employment status
• Schedule all client meetings, interviews, and employment-related appointments on the department Google Calendar and invite the Director of Vocational Services
• Submit PTO requests through ADP and add approved time off to the department Google Calendar, inviting both the Director of Vocational Services and the Director of Transition Academy
• Maintain accurate, timely, and organized client documentation in accordance with 29 Acres policies and Texas Workforce Commission requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably adults with autism or other neurodiversity
• Experience supporting individuals in achieving competitive, integrated employment outcomes
• Experience in employer outreach and networking
• UNTWISE certifications required (must obtain within first 2 months of employment - Job skills training, Job Placement & Supported Employment)
• Current CPR certification required
• Successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• Maintain a valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Reliable transportation required for travel to client meetings, employer sites, and community-based employment settings

Skills

• Strong public relations, networking, and community engagement skills
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, clients, families, and service providers
• Ability to effectively manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain an assigned caseload
• Knowledge and ability to support clients in obtaining competitive, integrated employment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, electronic documentation systems, and other technology platforms
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate documentation
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills to address employment barriers and support client success

Working Conditions

• Work environments include office settings, residential environments, classrooms, community locations, employer worksites, and outdoor environments with varying climate conditions
• Position requires frequent community travel and interaction with clients in employment settings
• May require physical activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling as needed to support clients and program operations
• May involve exposure to challenging behaviors, including potential risk of injury (such as hitting or kicking), bodily fluids, or other workplace hazards
• Must be able to respond appropriately and assist adults during emergency situations
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Pay

Competitive salary with full benefit package.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position
• Average 40 hours per week
• Local travel daily
• Laptop and cell phone provided