Employment Specialist

Vista Autism Services; Lebanon (Lebanon County); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Generous paid time off and paid holid

Retirement plan with employer contrib

Paid travel time and mileage reimb

Paid training and professional develop

Job summary

Vista Autism Services in Hershey, PA is seeking an Employment Specialist to help adults with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities find and maintain meaningful jobs in the community.

You will join a high-performing Employment Team that supports individuals to succeed at work, with coaching on-site, strong employer partnerships, and a weekday, full-time schedule. The role emphasizes dignity, person-centered support, and community integration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid PA driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel within the service region.
• Ability to complete required training provided by Vista.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of a community-based role.
• Successful completion of required background checks and health screenings.
• Experience in education, customer service, hospitality, retail, coaching, human services, or caregiving is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Get to know each person’s strengths, interests, and employment goals.
• Assist with interview prep, applications, and learning job tasks.
• Provide coaching at job sites to build confidence and independence.
• Celebrate milestones and support growth at each person’s pace.
• Build relationships with local businesses and identify suitable opportunities.
• Match job seekers with workplaces where they can thrive.
• Support onboarding and problem-solving for employers.
• Check in regularly to ensure the job remains a good fit.
• Coordinate schedules, transportation, and family communication.
• Ensure safety, dignity, and success in all settings.

Skills

Compassionate

Patient

Respectful

Interpersonal skills

Organized

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

ACRE or CESP training or certification

Job description

Full-Time | Hershey, PA | Community-Based Role

About the Role

As an Employment Specialist with Vista Autism Services, you help adults with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities find and maintain real, meaningful jobs in the community—jobs that reflect their strengths, interests, and personal goals.

You’ll be part of a high-performing employment team. Vista’s Adult Employment Services program consistently outperforms state and national averages in helping adults secure and keep employment. When you join Vista, you join a team that knows how to help people succeed at work—and you will see that success firsthand.

You do not need years of experience to thrive here. What matters most is compassion, respect for others, and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to work and contribute to their community.

If you enjoy helping people grow, building relationships with local businesses, and supporting adults as they discover their potential, this is deeply rewarding work.

Why Join Vista’s Employment Team?

• Be part of a winning program: Vista’s employment outcomes exceed state and national averages.
• Make a visible difference: Celebrate meaningful milestones—new jobs, first paychecks, improved independence.
• Stable weekday schedule: Full-time, with a predictable Adult Services calendar.
• Training included: Vista provides paid training, including support to earn your ACRE certification.
• Supportive team culture: Work with experienced, collaborative professionals who want you to succeed.
• Community-focused role: Spend your day in real workplaces, not at a desk.

What You’ll Do

• Get to know each person’s strengths, interests, and employment goals.
• Help them prepare for interviews, complete applications, and learn job tasks.
• Provide coaching and encouragement at job sites to build confidence and independence.
• Celebrate achievements and help each person grow at their own pace.

Partner with Employers

• Build relationships with local businesses and identify suitable job opportunities.
• Match job seekers with workplaces where they can thrive.
• Support employers as they onboard new employees, offering guidance and problem-solving as needed.
• Check in regularly to ensure the job remains a good fit for both the employee and the business.

Stay Organized and Connected

• Keep clear, timely notes on progress and services provided.
• Coordinate schedules, transportation, and communication with families and team members.
• Ensure the safety, dignity, and success of individuals in all settings.

What Makes You a Great Fit

No previous experience in employment services is required—we provide all training. You’ll excel in this role if you are:

• Compassionate, patient, and respectful
• Someone who believes in dignity and person-centered support
• Comfortable communicating with job seekers and business leaders alike
• Calm and solution-focused when challenges arise
• Organized and able to manage multiple schedules and needs
• Energetic and comfortable working in the community rather than behind a desk

Experience in education, customer service, hospitality, retail, coaching, human services, or caregiving often translates very well to this work.

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid PA driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel within the service region
• Ability to complete required training (provided by Vista)
• Ability to meet the physical demands of a community-based role
• Successful completion of required background checks and health screenings

Preferred but not required:

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities
• Familiarity with local employers
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• ACRE or CESP training or certification (Vista provides training toward this)

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Primarily Monday–Friday, daytime hours
• Travel within the community; mileage reimbursement provided
• Starting rate: $21.00/hour
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid travel time and mileage reimbursement
• Paid training and professional development

About Vista Autism Services

Vista Autism Services supports individuals with autism from early childhood through adulthood. Our Adult Employment Services team is committed to helping adults build independence, connect with their community, and achieve meaningful long-term employment.