Employment Specialist

Work Ready; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Work Ready is seeking an Employment Specialist to help individuals with disabilities secure and maintain meaningful employment in the Austin area. You will guide clients through the job market, support them on the job, and collaborate with a dedicated team to tailor placement strategies to each person’s goals and abilities.

You will manage 10–15 clients, place 2–3 people every four weeks, and travel daily within North and South Austin to build employer relationships and provide hands-on support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Excellent organization and time management.
• Creative problem solving and resourcefulness.
• Proficient in writing reports and maintaining records.
• Willingness to work flexible hours based on client needs.
• Prior success in marketing, sales, or customer-facing roles is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Caseload Management: Support 12–16 clients at a time through job readiness, placement, and retention.
• Administrative Tasks: Maintain accurate documentation, progress notes, and placement records.
• Application Support: Submit job applications on behalf of clients and follow up in person with local businesses.
• Employer Engagement: Build and maintain a network of employers through face‑to‑face outreach.
• Interview Development: Create interview opportunities through in‑person networking and advocacy.
• Goal‑Based Placement: Match clients with jobs that reflect their employment goals and strengths.
• On‑the‑Job Support: Provide job coaching and accommodations to ensure long‑term success and satisfaction.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Problem solving

Documentation

Flexible hours

Marketing/sales experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Job description

Work Ready is looking for an EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST to work with individuals with mild to moderate disabilities in the Austin area. We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, adaptable, and reliable specialist to help our customers with disabilities achieve meaningful employment. As an employment specialist, you will work directly with customers referred by Texas Workforce Solutions, helping them navigate the job market, secure employment, and supporting them on the job until they work independently. You’ll be working with a dedicated team to develop placement strategies and provide hands-on, on-the-job support tailored to each customer’s needs.

Role Overview

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll manage a caseload of 10–15 customers, guiding them through every step of the employment process. You’ll be responsible for placing 2–3 customers into jobs every four weeks, ensuring placements align with their individual goals and abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Caseload Management: Support 12–16 clients at a time through job readiness, placement, and retention.
• Administrative Tasks: Maintain accurate documentation, progress notes, and placement records.
• Application Support: Submit job applications on behalf of clients and follow up in person with local businesses.
• Employer Engagement: Build and maintain a network of employers through face‑to‑face outreach.
• Interview Development: Create interview opportunities through in‑person networking and advocacy.
• Goal‑Based Placement: Match clients with jobs that reflect their employment goals and strengths.
• On‑the‑Job Support: Provide job coaching and accommodations to ensure long‑term success and satisfaction.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Organization: Strong time management and organizational abilities
• Problem‑Solving: Creative and resourceful approach to overcoming employment barriers
• Documentation: Proficient in writing reports and maintaining accurate records
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours based on client and employer needs
• Experience: Prior success in marketing, sales, or customer‑facing roles is a plus

Compensation

This is a performance‑based position where earnings are tied to successful employment placements.

• Training & Credentialing Period: (120 days) $40,000 annual salary
• Post‑Credentialing: $15,200 base salary plus incentives based on placement performance
• Average Annual Income: $58,000–$64,000, depending on experience and placement success.

Travel Requirements

This role involves daily travel throughout the North and South Austin areas to:

• Develop relationships with potential employers through in‑person outreach
• Provide direct support to customers in their homes, communities, or workplaces
• Follow up on job applications and interviews at local businesses