Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Salary: $21.60 - $26.52 per hour, depending on experience

This is a temporary, part-time position starting on July 29, expected to last approximately 2–4 months, with the potential for extension or transition into a full-time role based on program needs. Hours will range from 20 to 25 per week depending on client demand. Availability during business hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays is required.

The Employment Specialist plays a critical, hands-on role in helping individuals with disabilities succeed in the workforce and workforce training. This position is heavily focused on workforce training support, job coaching, and retention support, working directly alongside clients in community job settings to build skills, independence, and long-term stability.

In this role, the Employment Specialist provides on-the-job and educational coaching, problem-solving support, and person-centered guidance to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities. The majority of time is spent ensuring clients are thriving in their jobs or in their educational track—supporting communication with supervisors and teachers, strengthening workplace and academic skills, and proactively addressing challenges to promote job retention and class success.

While the primary focus is on class support and maintaining employment, this role may also include targeted job development activities, such as assisting with job searches, applications, and employer outreach, when needed to support client goals.

As part of a collaborative team, the Employment Specialist serves as a key liaison between clients, employers, teachers and the ISE Program Manager—helping create positive employment experiences for both job seekers and business partners.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys direct client interaction, immediate impact, and flexible, short-term work, and who is passionate about supporting individuals to succeed in real-world employment settings.

Essential Functions*:

• Provide direct, on-the-job and educational coaching to individuals with IDD and other disabilities to support job/class success, independence, and long-term retention.
• Support clients in real-time workplace situations —modeling appropriate behavior, building skills, and helping navigate challenges with confidence.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and employers , ensuring strong communication and positive working relationships.
• Partner closely with the ISE Program Manager to align support strategies and ensure each client is set up for success.
• Offer individualized, person-centered support based on each client's strengths, needs, and goals.
• Assist with job search and placement activities as needed , including resumes, applications, and employer outreach.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred.
• If no prior experience, enthusiasm for supporting a diverse workforce and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Other:

• Ability to adapt to new workplace environments quickly and effectively.
• Ability to redirect clients when appropriate.
• Creative problem solver.
• Mission-driven and values-based approach to supporting clients and community inclusion.
• Availability on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during business hours.
• A valid driver's license, access to reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance are required. Employees must maintain a driving record that meets agency insurance requirements and be able to travel to multiple sites or community locations as part of regular job duties. At times, may transport clients in their personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with agency policy.

Certification/Licensing:

None.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Work Environment:

• Off-Site & In-Office Position: Work primarily takes place in the community with occasional requirements to be at the home office at 3201 South Tamarac Dr., Denver 80231. Work hours are generally during regular business hours, with occasional flexibility required to support agency needs.
• Essential physical requirements: Frequently sitting and typing. Must be able to physically assist clients, and stand for prolonged periods. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and use standard office and mobile equipment.
• Physical effort/lifting: The employee may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds.

*If requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

COVID-19 considerations:

Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (proof required), subject to legally required exemptions.

Agency Overview:

JFS is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need, regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs.

We believe in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community.

Founded 154 years ago, we offer more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, disability services, and farming.

JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family and providing the appropriate services, all from one organization. We continuously evaluate the evolving challenges of our community and adapt or develop programs that respond to the resulting needs.