Employment Specialist

Springbrook NY Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Springbrook NY Inc. is seeking an Employment Specialist to help individuals with disabilities secure and maintain competitive employment. The role blends job development, placement, and ongoing support tailored to each person’s needs.

You will conduct assessments, offer on-the-job coaching, build employer relationships, and guide clients on how earnings affect benefits. Strong communication and reliable transportation are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience providing services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computer software and e‑mail applications.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work varied hours to meet caseload needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue employment opportunities aligned with individuals’ skills and interests.
• Conduct pre-employment and ongoing assessments.
• Provide on‑the‑job coaching and support for successful retention.
• Develop and maintain positive employer relations for inclusive hiring.
• Advise on how earned income affects benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.
• Complete timely documentation and reporting meeting program standards.
• Provide transportation to assessment/work sites as needed.
• Present a professional image to the business community.
• Remain knowledgeable about Springbrook employment services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience

Job description

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain competitive employment. This position involves a combination of job development, placement, and ongoing support services tailored to each individual's needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Job Development and Placement - identify and pursue employment opportunities that align with the person’s skills and interests including conducting job searches, preparing for interviews, facilitating job placements, including career development, work readiness skills and overall job discovery.
• Complete pre-employment and employment assessments with individuals.
• Job Coaching and Support - provide on-the-job training and continuous support to ensure people adapt successfully to their work environments. This may involve direct assistance at the workplace and regular follow-up for job retention.
• Employer Relations - develop and maintain positive relationships with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices and secure job placements. This includes clarifying job duties, providing safety information, and facilitating communication between the employee and their employer; act as liaison between employers, individuals, businesses, families and other support staff.
• Benefits – have a general knowledge about how earned income from employment may affect an individual’s benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid, and provide guidance on reporting earnings.
• Documentation and Reporting - complete timely and accurate documentation while maintaining accurate records of services provided, including case notes, reports, and other required documentation to ensure compliance with OPWDD and ACCES-VR standards.
• Provide support and services including but not limited to, job discovery, job training, job mentoring, and professional skills development in an individualized and/or group setting.
• Provide occasional transportation with individual to assessment/work site.
• Present a professional image to the business community at all times.
• Knowledge of all employment services provided by Springbrook.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum: A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in providing services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with clients, families, and employers.
• Proficiency in computer software and e-mail applications.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have a reliable access to transportation.
• Must be able to work varied hours to meet the needs of the individuals on caseload.