Employment Specialist

Gateway Foundation, Inc.; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee wellness program

403(b) Retirement Plan

Disability & Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

CEU/Training programs

Training & Development

Job summary

Alpharus Health, Inc. is seeking an Employment Specialist in Ocala, FL to provide job readiness training and support for clients in corrections programs. You will evaluate skills, develop materials, and build relationships with local employers to secure placement opportunities.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, knowledge of CRPS standards, and strong communication and organizational skills. Travel within the state is expected. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating, selecting and implementing assessment tools and training resources to gather information regarding the skill levels, occupational interests, and employability of clients under the supervision of the FL Dept of Corrections.
• Creating training materials and course objectives to provide job readiness training and assisting clients in accomplishing employment goals.
• Establishing working relationships with employers, community agencies and other potential job sources to assist with job placement.
• Maintaining current knowledge of occupational outlook for jobs and regularly updating responsibilities and qualifications of positions through exploration of available occupational resources and manuals. Developing and utilizing knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations, and community services and resources.

Skills

Knowledge of corrections

CRPS certification knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Client coaching & mentoring

Relationship building with employers

Travel within state

Effective written and verbal comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Outlook

TEAMS

Job description

Requisition ID34362-Posted09/04/2026-Corrections-Ocala-FL

Alpharus Health, Inc. is a national non‑profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Alpharus provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence‑based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
• Exposure to diverse patient demographics
• Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
• Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Location: Marion and Lowell

Marion Correctional Institution and Work Camp 3269 NW 105th St. Ocala, FL 34475

Lowell Correctional Institution and Annex 11120 NW Gainesville Rd. Ocala, FL 34482-1479

The Employment Specialist is responsible for:

• Evaluating, selecting and implementing assessment tools and training resources to gather information
  regarding the skill levels, occupational interests, and employability of clients under the supervision of
  the FL Dept of Corrections.
• Creating training materials and course objectives to provide job readiness training and assisting clients in
  accomplishing employment goals.
• Establishing working relationships with employers, community agencies and other potential job sources
  to assist with job placement.
• Maintaining current knowledge of occupational outlook for jobs and regularly updating responsibilities and
  qualifications of positions through exploration of available occupational resources and manuals.
  Developing and utilizing knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations, and community services and
  resources.

R equirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, or related field.
• Experience in workforce development, case management or reentry services, preferred.
• Knowledge of local labor markets, employment trends, and community resources.
• Valid local driver's license, insurance and good driving record
• Ability to pass a Level 2 background check in the state of Florida
• Knowledge of correctional systems and the unique challenges faced by incarcerated individuals
• Knowledge of and familiarity with organizations and service providers who employ certified peers, including agency personnel responsible for recruitment and talent acquisition.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of recovery-oriented peer support, job development, and vocational rehabilitation. Knowledge of the core competencies, standards, and requirements for CRPS certification and employment in Florida.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, TEAMS and other applicable programs Skill in providing effective coaching, mentoring, and feedback to CRPS job seekers and employees.
• Skill in developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with employers, agencies, and other stakeholders in the behavioral health field and workforce systems. Working knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations as it pertains to confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with peers, supervisors, and employers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the delivery and evaluation of employment-related services, using data, feedback, and best practices.
• Ability to identify barriers and challenges to CRPS employment, such as stigma, discrimination, accommodation, and retention.
• Ability and willingness to routinely travel within the State.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, and remain alert to traffic conditions and to identify and comply with traffic signals and signs

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with peers.
• Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files for accuracy, to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, read
• Ability to communicate with others and speak to groups or individuals in order to gather and present information.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data
• Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and remain alert to traffic conditions and to identify and comply with traffic signals and signs.

Benefits at Alpharus Health:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash‑saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job‑related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.