Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm

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.

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.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

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

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.