Ability Beyond Careers

Description

Employment Specialist

Location: Norwalk

Hours: M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Full-Time, Flexible)

Salary: $45,000 / year

Travel Requirements: 75 miles weekly (mileage reimbursement provided)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, or a related field—or have relevant experience in fields like sales, education, or social services—this is a fantastic opportunity for you to join our team as an Employment Specialist!

We’re excited to invite applications for this impactful role across our Danbury, Norwalk, and Waterbury teams. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll work closely with individuals with mental health and recovery needs, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities, helping them secure and maintain meaningful employment. This role is ideal for recent graduates, career changers, and anyone with a background in sales, education, or human services looking to make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Vocational Support: Use various individualized placement models to assist individuals referred through human services support and funding programs.
• Career Development: Help individuals find competitive, integrated employment, and provide job coaching and supplemental training.
• Job Coaching: Offer ongoing support, including goal setting, resume writing, interview skill-building, and soft skills development.
• Networking and Job Development: Identify job opportunities and network with businesses to create placements.
• Documentation and Follow-Up: Complete documentation accurately and conduct follow-up visits to ensure job placement success.

Why This Role is Perfect for You

• Psychology and Human Services Background: Leverage your psychology or human services expertise to make a tangible impact.
• Career Change Opportunity: Ideal for those with a background in education, sales, or other fields who want to transition into human services.
• Flexible, Community-Based Work: Enjoy a non-office-based role that brings you into the community.
• Rewarding and Meaningful Work: Experience the satisfaction of helping individuals achieve employment goals and enhance their lives.

Benefits

• Extensive paid training and certification program
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, pet insurance)
• Paid time off (increases with years of service)
• Self-directed retirement plan options (403B)
• PSLF loan forgiveness eligibility
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program, including mental health resources
• Ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives

Requirements

• Educational or Experience Pathway: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, or a related field, or significant, relevant experience in fields like sales, education, or human services.
• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Additional Qualities: Strong communication, advocacy, and networking skills; lived experience in mental health recovery is preferred but not required.

If you’re driven by a passion for helping others and a commitment to human services work, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to become an Employment Specialist and start making a difference in the lives of those we serve!

To see a day in the life of an Employment Specialist at Ability Beyond, click here: Career Development - Life of An Employment Specialist (youtube.com)