Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

FORA

Job Title

Employment Specialist

Fora is a nonprofit organization advancing inclusion for individuals with disabilities by building pathways to meaningful work in integrated settings, transforming lives while supporting independence and growth. Learn more: teamfora.org

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This position is part of the Project Ace Program, a supported employment program dedicated to creating employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

About Fora

Work changes everything. We make it happen.

Since 1996, we’ve connected individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment by partnering with organizations that expect both performance and purpose. We are a multi-region workforce model supporting operations across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our teams are integrated into daily operations, maintaining facilities, supporting office functions, managing mailrooms, and more.

We operate across a wide range of services, including facilities support, administrative operations, warehouses, call center services, and other essential functions.

At Fora, employment is more than a job. It’s a foundation for independence, confidence, and dignity, expanding what’s possible in the workplace and beyond, and shaping how we work every day.

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist plays a critical role in connecting job seekers with suitable employment opportunities, fostering workforce development, and supporting individuals in achieving sustainable career growth. This position involves assessing clients' skills, interests, and barriers to employment, then developing personalized employment plans to enhance their job readiness.

The Employment Specialist collaborates with employers, community organizations, and training providers to create pathways for successful job placements. By providing ongoing support and coaching, the specialist ensures clients maintain employment and progress in their careers. Ultimately, this role contributes to improving economic self-sufficiency and community well-being through effective employment services.

Essential Responsibilities

(Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Eperience working in employment service, workforce development, or a related area.
• Strong understanding of local labor market trends and employment resources in Puerto Rico.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse populations.

• Proficiency in using computer software for case management and reporting.
• Bilingual abilities, particularly in Sanish and English, to serve diverse communities.
• Effective communication and active listening.
• Empathy, kindness, and emotional/cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to design and deliver practical training.
• Behavioral assessment and occupational analysis techniques.
• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data; file management.
• Mediation, conflict resolution, and crisis management.
• Flexible schedule.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments.
• Teamwork and collaboration with other departments.
• Proficiency in basic computer tools (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Workspace, Teams, Zoom, Canva, email, among other platforms).

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment such as disabilities, homelessness, or justice involvement.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and workforce development programs.
• Familiarity with virtual job search tools and work platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to different areas of the island.
• Travel to employment centers and activities related to the work schedule around the island.
• Ability to lift a maximum of 50 lbs.

Work Environment

• Office building, interaction with building customers and the public.

Reasonable Accommodations

Fora is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and throughout employment.

If you require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access employment benefits, please contact Vocational Services or Human Resources Departments.

Benefits

Mileage reimbursement for eligible work-related travel.

Grant-Funded Notice

This position is grant-funded. Continued employment depends on continued grant funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fora is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

Fora provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.