Employment Specialist

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm

About the Role

As an Employment Specialist, you'll help individuals with disabilities build confidence, develop job skills, and achieve meaningful employment goals. Through one-on-one and group support, you'll guide participants through career exploration, job preparation, and workplace success. This is a hands-on, people-focused role where you'll make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in human services, employment support, and mental health in a mission-driven environment.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group support focused on job readiness and employment skills
• Assist individuals in identifying career goals and developing person-centered employment plans
• Support individuals in accessing and navigating community resources and job opportunities
• Implement teaching strategies aligned with Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and behavior plans
• Promote independence, informed decision-making, and appropriate risk-taking
• Maintain respectful, professional communication with individuals, families, team members, and community partners
• Complete timely and accurate documentation
• Maintain certifications including First Aid, CPR, Safety Care, and HR/DPPC
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and confidentiality standards
• Promote and uphold human rights, privacy, and dignity of all individuals served

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred
• Experience in human services, employment services, or working with individuals with disabilities preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic computer skills required

Physical Demands

• Full upper extremity range of motion
• Full lower extremity range of motion
• Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing over 50 lbs.
• Physical Activity: Continuous: Communication; Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking; Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching