Employment Specialist/Job Coach

Absolute Staffing & Consulting Solutions; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 22,042,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

Absolute Staffing & Consulting Solutions seeks a Community Employment Specialist to support individuals with disabilities in the Altoona area. This is a full-time role focusing on skill development, job placement, and ongoing community support.

You will assess client needs, coordinate job trials, and provide coaching while building relationships with local employers to secure inclusive, competitive employment with suitable wages. Local travel required; valid driver's license needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience.
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand employer needs and evaluate job performance.
• Ability to work independently in a community setting.

Responsibilities

• Assess job seeker skills, interests, and abilities.
• Coordinate job trials and work assessments.
• Facilitate job shadowing opportunities.
• Assist with job searches, applications, and onboarding.
• Provide job coaching and ongoing support.
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers.
• Support long-term employment success for individuals.
• Follow project guidelines related to employment initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent in community setting

Employer needs understanding

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Title: Community Employment Specialist

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Altoona, PA (Local travel required)

Pay Rate: $19.00 per hour

Contract duration: 9 months

About Us

Absolute Staffing & Consulting Solutions is a woman, minority, and veteran-owned business based in Westminster, Maryland. We specialize in staff augmentation across IT, allied health, customer support, and administrative roles, supporting both private and government clients.

About the Client

Our client is a leading service organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Their Employment Supports team helps individuals secure competitive, integrated employment while partnering with businesses to build inclusive workplaces.

They are committed to helping individuals earn competitive wages, work in community-based settings, and reach their full potential.

Position Overview

The Community Employment Specialist works directly in the community to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. This role focuses on skill development, job placement, and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess job seeker skills, interests, and abilities
• Coordinate job trials and work assessments
• Facilitate job shadowing opportunities
• Assist with job searches, applications, and onboarding
• Provide job coaching and ongoing support
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers
• Support long-term employment success for individuals
• Follow project guidelines related to employment initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand employer needs and evaluate job performance
• Ability to work independently in a community setting

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain CESP or ACRE certification within 6 months of hire
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle
• Ability to obtain Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances