Employment Specialist

Work Ready; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Work Ready in Austin seeks an Employment Specialist to assist individuals with mild to moderate disabilities in attaining meaningful employment. You will guide clients through readiness, placement, and retention, coordinating with Texas Workforce Solutions and local employers to secure opportunities and provide on‑the‑job support.

You will manage 10–15 customers, placing 2–3 every four weeks, tailoring strategies to each client’s goals and abilities. Travel within North/South Austin is required.

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.

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

Caseload management

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Documentation

Flexibility

Customer-facing

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‑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