Employment Specialist

Advocates; Sterling (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking an Employment Specialist for the Sterling Employment Center in Massachusetts. This role involves assisting individuals with disabilities in attaining and maintaining employment through group and one-on-one sessions. Ideal candidates will possess a High School Diploma and preferably have experience in the developmental disabilities or behavioral health sectors. The position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to promoting a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• One year experience in developmental disabilities/behavioral health area preferred.
• Valid driver’s license along with an acceptable driving status.
• Use of a reliable vehicle, which seats two passengers.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to individuals with disabilities.
• Assist in developing essential job skills and navigating the employment process.
• Maintain a respectful manner with individuals supported.

Skills

Problem Solving

Respect

Interpersonal Skills

Oral communication

Written Communication

Planning/organizing

Quality control

Adaptability

Dependability

Safety and security

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

As an Employment Specialist at the Sterling Employment Center, you will play a pivotal role in assisting individuals with disabilities in attaining and maintaining employment. Through a combination of group and one-on-one sessions, you will provide tailored support to help participants develop essential job skills and navigate the employment process with confidence. In this role, you will experience professional growth and skill development, be exposed to clinical skills including mental health support, and gain hands‑on experience in a rewarding and impactful field.

The Sterling Employment Center is dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities to secure meaningful job opportunities. We provide comprehensive support services to individuals ages 21 and above, aimed at enhancing job readiness skills, fostering independence, and facilitating integration into the workforce.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Additional Shift Details

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, agency mission and values.
• Demonstrate respect for, and provide information to, individuals regarding human rights, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Follow agency policies and procedures, including work schedule, use of time off and transportation schedule.
• Interact verbally in a professional manner with the individuals supported, families, coworkers, supervisors and community members.
• Demonstrate the ability to set side personal prejudices and fears to support individual(s) in taking risks and making informed decisions.
• Maintain agency standards of confidentiality.
• Complete required documentation in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify local community resources and ensure individual(s) access to needed local resources on a consistent basis.
• Maintain a respectful manner and tone of voice with others.
• Promote teamwork and open communication among staff members and individuals supported by the program.
• Appropriately implement teaching strategies for ISP goals and behavior plan.

Competencies

• Problem Solving- identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Respect –shows respect for self, coworkers and the individuals supported.

• Interpersonal Skills- maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• Oral communication- speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Written Communication- is able to read and write information to communicate.
• Planning/organizing- prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control- demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Adaptability- adapts to changes in the work environment and deals with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability- is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security- actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year experience in developmental disabilities/behavioral health area preferred.
• Valid driver’s license along with an acceptable driving status.
• Use of a reliable vehicle, which seats two passengers.
• This position may require transporting individuals using the company van or the MART bus.
• Additional specific experience may be required.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.