Employment Specialist - Mainstay (temporary)

About the role

Under the supervision of the Mainstay Director, the Employment Specialist (Program Specialist 2) provides in-person, on-site employment services including job coaching, case management, and positive behavior supports to clients with disabilities, specializing in those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The specialist works closely with the Mainstay Job Development Team to train supported employees once placed and provide follow-along support services to reach clients' employment goals. This is a temporary, full-time position expected to last approximately 18 months with an anticipated end date of June 2027, governed by a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Responsibilities

• Implement person-centered employment plans based on clients' individual skills, goals, abilities, and interests
• Deliver job training and follow-along coaching as outlined in individualized employment plans
• Support clients with disabilities in their jobs with direct training, including one-to-one cues and prompts
• Travel via personal vehicle to various work sites, clients' homes, and work-related appointments, primarily within King County
• Help clients understand and navigate referral sources including the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Community Supports (DDCS), and Seattle Public Schools (SPS)
• Collaborate with Mainstay Employment Team members to provide quality services including new job orientation, training, and coaching
• Maintain communication with all members of the employment team (clients, employers, advocates, referral sources); often serves as primary point of contact
• Troubleshoot problems at job sites and assist with resolution to maintain positive working relationships
• Track clients' daily service hours, write timely progress notes, document client progress, and maintain accurate client files in the CRM database for contract compliance
• Assist in writing reports such as work assessments, job exploration, placement, critical incident reports, and retention reports per funding contracts and national accreditation requirements
• Complete all external and internal contract training and policy requirements
• Represent Mainstay and Seattle Colleges at community forums, job fairs, and industry events
• Contribute to team efforts beyond listed responsibilities to meet the needs of those served

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent AND two or more years full-time work experience with individuals who have disabilities, OR any combination of relevant education, training, and experience indicating successful performance of essential functions
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision
• Clear communication, problem-solving, and excellent writing skills
• Experience collaborating with co-workers and others
• Experience working on behalf of individuals from differing cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
• Understanding and use of technology and a variety of software applications to maintain required information and data
• Availability to work a flexible schedule when needed
• Access to personal vehicle, valid driver's license with clean driving record, and auto insurance

Certifications & Training Requirements

Per Mainstay contract accreditation standards, all employees must obtain certification in: CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, Emergency Preparedness, and Positive Behavioral Support. Additional training required from referral sources such as King County DDCS, DVR, and SPS. All employees must successfully pass multiple Washington State Background Checks annually per state contracts.

Physical Requirements

• Operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, prepare various materials
• Exchange information with supervisors, leads, co-workers, clients, and students
• Provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, work at a computer with repetitive hand motion
• Work primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and typical office noise
• Work at various job sites requiring physical ability to lift at least 30 pounds, and to walk, bend, twist, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, reach, grasp, push, and pull on a regular to continuous basis

People with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $47,280 to $61,512 annually (depending on experience). As a Washington State employee through Seattle Colleges, benefits include: competitive pay rates, promotional opportunities, medical/dental/retirement plans (PEBB), paid sick and vacation leave, transportation benefits, tuition waivers, PEBB Wellness Plan, Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and professional development opportunities including committee, workgroup, and affinity group participation.

Schedule & Work Arrangement

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• 100% on-site — not only at Seattle Central College campus but also traveling daily to multiple worksites within Greater Seattle, North End, and Eastside areas
• Personal transportation required
• Temporary position anticipated to end June 2027 (approximately 18 months)

Additional Information

• Position governed by collective bargaining agreement with Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)
• First review of applications begins August 31, 2026; open until filled
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship
• Background check including criminal record history conducted prior to hire; Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 required