Employment Specialist (Job Coach)

About the role

Opengate is an innovative forward-thinking non-profit organization seeking a dedicated and compassionate Job Coach (Employment Specialist) to provide direct services including Job Development, Job Coaching, and Case Management for individuals receiving support. The position is based in Carmel, New York, serving Putnam, lower Dutchess, and upper Westchester counties.

Responsibilities

• Job Development: assist individuals to prepare and send resumes and cover letters; seek out potential employers and visit job sites; support interview skill development; attend interviews with individuals; maintain contact with ACCES-VR on progress; maintain at least weekly contact with individuals and, when appropriate, their advocates.
• Job Coaching: participate in employer training with the individual; provide continued training until job skills are mastered; travel to work sites to provide services; resolve conflicts on behalf of individuals; teach positive work ethics; provide advocacy; assist with work‑related issues.
• Case Management: offer support or advice to individuals and their circle of support; make referrals for counseling, recreational programs, etc.; daily documentation of contacts and work; complete monthly ACCES‑VR reports; complete phase sheets/individual hours of service documentation; monthly filing of case notes.
• Additional duties: travel training (finding transportation methods, helping clients learn routes, accompanying for training); attend staff meetings; participate in professional training as directed; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of six months related work experience and/or training working with special populations (e.g., intellectual/developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, elderly, medically frail).
• Physical requirements: ability to stand and walk frequently; travel to multiple locations; lift up to 50 pounds; operate standard office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines); perform filing tasks requiring moving files, opening cabinets, bending or standing.
• Must legally reside and be able to work in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.

Pay

Hourly rate: $20.00 – $22.00, with compensation commensurate with qualifications and work experience.