Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

About the role

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is seeking an Employment Specialist to join the Workforce Development team. The specialist provides community‑based supported employment and education services to youth and young adults using the evidence‑based Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model. The role promotes clients’ recovery and wellness by assisting them in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment that aligns with their preferences, strengths, and long‑term career goals, while also creating and sustaining partnerships with employers and educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide client‑centered, trauma‑informed in‑person supported employment services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, diagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the IPS model in interactions and documentation.
• Participate in regular field monitoring, training, and job shadowing in accordance with the IPS model.
• Transport clients to job interviews, job‑shadowing opportunities, worksites, and supportive service agencies during and after regular work hours as needed.
• Assess and manage incidents and crisis situations calmly, using de‑escalation and safety‑planning techniques.
• Attend job fairs and other community outreach events to promote the program and the agency.
• Conduct a minimum of six in‑person employer contacts per week to develop relationships, learn hiring needs, describe program supports, and introduce appropriate client candidates.
• Apply interviewing skills to learn about client preferences, past experiences, hopes, and concerns; assess vocational functioning.
• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths in service planning to help achieve self‑defined employment or educational goals.
• Complete intake forms and recurring assessments for clients seeking supported employment or education services.
• Engage in the community alongside clients to conduct job development and job‑search activities individualized to client interests.
• Provide individualized follow‑along support to assist clients in seeking and maintaining employment and/or completing education goals.
• Develop an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients, incorporating input from internal team members, external partners, and family members (with permission).
• Write job support goals and steps with clients and adjust plans according to client needs and preferences.
• Provide education and support to employers, including negotiating job accommodations and maintaining follow‑along contact.
• Provide supported education, using IPS principles, for clients interested in education to advance employment goals.
• Meet regularly with LifeWorks staff to coordinate wrap‑around services for shared clients.
• Assist clients with job‑readiness skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, soft skills, and presentation skills.
• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, client‑focused solutions.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure, accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency (data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, procedures, etc.).
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Determine when to provide approved financial assistance to support basic client needs and ensure proper utilization of funds.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card) and connect them to community resources.
• Help clients understand benefits information (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how employment may affect eligibility.
• Provide budgeting support and financial‑literacy education, including spending plans, credit, banking, and long‑term money management.
• Provide timely interventions and outreach when clients appear to disengage from services.
• Ensure required client consents are collected, documented, and that clients understand the program before participating.
• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all required trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• For Bilingual Spanish‑service Staff Only: Provide services and support in Spanish, translate documents, and assist with special projects related to the Spanish‑speaking community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Two years of related experience with youth and young adults, preferably in employment/education services or case management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• At least one year of experience using a CRM or database tool to log and enter data.

Core Competencies and Skills

• Client Focus – Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission‑centered solutions.
• Collaborates and Adapts – Builds partnerships, works collaboratively to meet shared objectives, and adapts approach to shifting demands.
• Honors Differences – Embraces diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive culture.
• Nimble Learning – Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences; willing to pivot and try new things.
• Builds Trust – Gains confidence and trust through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
• Action Oriented – Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and focuses energy on mission‑critical opportunities and challenges.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Texas driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days if not already held).
• Standard First‑Aid and CPR certification as required by the specific program.

Pay

This full‑time, non‑exempt position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $24.86 to $27.17, depending on experience.

Benefits

• 24 PTO days per year (accrued).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Premium‑free employee medical plan with a $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable medical, dental, and vision options for employees and families).
• Retirement savings plan with a 50% match on the first 6% of contributions.
• Additional benefits and perks (“much more”).

About Lifeworks

With more than 50 years of experience serving youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. The organization’s vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love. LifeWorks provides a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring safe housing, healing, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem‑solving, shared accountability, and evidence‑based solutions, LifeWorks strives for real, sustainable, and measurable results. A career at LifeWorks offers professional growth while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in the community.