Employment Specialist
The Employment Specialist at Confidential Client supports adults with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment through personalized job coaching, training, and employer collaboration. This role involves building strong relationships with individuals and employers to facilitate successful job placements, retention, and career development, while maintaining detailed documentation and advocating for accommodations. The position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering independence and community connection.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Teaching.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Employment Specialist (lead job coach) to support employment services for adults with disabilities in New Haven, CT. This role focuses on job placement, on-the-job coaching, employer engagement, and documentation to ensure successful, sustainable employment outcomes. The position is full-time (40 hours/week) with a flexible schedule that includes some evenings.
What You’ll Do
- Provide individualized and small-group job coaching, on-the-job training, and stabilization supports to help participants reach vocational goals and retain employment.
- Teach and model workplace skills, routines, and job-specific tasks.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers to secure and support placements.
- Advocate for necessary accommodations and communicate participant strengths and needs to employers and coworkers.
- Support transportation needs, including travel training and occasional driving when public transit is not available.
- Complete accurate progress notes, task analyses, SETWorks entries, and billing documentation.
- Participate in planning and progress meetings and support site development and public relations as needed.
- May assist with training of new Job Coaches and other department tasks assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or related field, and/or minimum 2 years of relevant job coaching or industry experience.
- Experience with supported or customized employment; ACRE endorsement in Customized Employment or familiarity with DOL/ODEP, APSE, and Employment First principles preferred.
- Strong communication, teaching, documentation, and interpersonal skills; empathy and the ability to balance employer and participant needs.
- Knowledge of employment challenges and supports for adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. CESP preferred.
- Proficient with Word, Excel, web-based applications, and databases.
- Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and daily use of an insured, reliable vehicle. Public Service License (PSL) preferred or eligible to obtain.
- Organized, detail-oriented, independent problem solver who thrives on variety.
- Commitment to Confidential Client’s values and openness to feedback and professional growth.
Schedule & Compensation
- Compensation: $23.10 per hour (as listed by the client).
- Schedule: 40 hours per week; flexible schedule with some evenings. Typical shifts may include 9:00am–5:00pm, 10:00am–6:00pm, or 12:00pm–8:30pm on select days.
- Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package (paid time off, tuition reimbursement, etc.). Part-time and flexible options may be available depending on hire.
Why Join Confidential Client
- Meaningful work supporting adults with disabilities to achieve independence and long-term employment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and internal advancement.
- A culture of collaboration, inclusion, and long staff tenure — many employees build long-term careers.
- Hands-on experience and training in customized and supported employment practices.
Notes for Applicants
Confidential Client encourages candidates who believe in the mission and meet many, but not necessarily all, of the qualifications to apply. Studies show underrepresented groups are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification — if you’re excited about this role, we want to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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