Employment Specialist (Part-time)

The Mental Health Association of NYC, Inc. dba Vibrant Emotional Health; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K

Employer paid disability Versicherung

Employer paid life insurance

Pre-tax FSA

Job summary

Vibrant Emotional Health seeks an Employment Specialist to support young adults with vocational services, employer engagement, and career readiness. The role emphasizes social, emotional, and independent living skills to enhance youth employment outcomes.

Responsibilities include job development, coaching, and ensuring documentation and compliance. Requires a Bachelor’s in a related field and 2+ years of youth employment experience; Master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in vocational or employment services for youth.
• Knowledge of labor market trends and employer expectations.
• Experience with evidence-based practices and job coaching models.

Responsibilities

• Engage employers, develop job opportunities, and connect youth to internships and employment.
• Provide career coaching, workplace shadowing, and retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with policies and reporting timelines.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Bilingual preferred

Problem solving

Office & digital tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / Psychology / Mental Health Counseling

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Position Title: Employment Specialist Department: Adolescent Skills Center Reports to: Program Director Location: Hybrid Schedule: Part-time; 21 hours per week; Monday-Friday Travel: 0-10% Pay Range: $29.23- 32.97/hour

Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state‑of‑the‑art technology‑enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist provides comprehensive vocational support to young adults through employer engagement, job development, career coaching, and workplace retention strategies. This position facilitates individualized employment and career readiness services while fostering social, emotional, and independent living skills to enhance youth employment outcomes.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Employer Engagement & Job Development: Build and maintain a network of employer partnerships and internship sites. Identify and assess local labor markets, contacting at least three new employers per quarter. Promote benefits of hiring youth with mental health or physical challenges, including tax incentives. Coordinate union apprenticeships, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Maintain a job bank with hiring events, fairs, and employment leads.
• Youth Career Services & Support: Conduct assessments and match youth to appropriate employment based on skills and interests. Provide job coaching, workplace shadowing, and retention strategies. Offer support for on-the-job accommodations and disclosure planning. Facilitate career development workshops and “Career Club” sessions. Guide financial literacy, benefits planning, and soft skills training.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely case records, vocational plans, progress notes, and reports. Enter all activities and youth progress into the AWARDS database. Report all incidents within 24 hours and ensure compliance with Vibrant and DOHMH standards. Meet weekly with supervisors and attend professional development sessions.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; bilingual/bicultural preferred.
• Ability to evaluate information, solve problems, and work independently.
• Skilled in youth engagement, vocational counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other digital tools.
• Composed under pressure, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in vocational or employment services for youth.
• Knowledge of labor market trends and employer expectations.
• Experience with evidence-based practices and job coaching models.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Occasional in-person travel to employer sites and community events.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person and virtually.

We determine base pay through a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors. The range listed reflects the compensation parameters for the role and does not represent the full compensation package. A complete overview of compensation and benefits will be provided by the Talent Acquisition team during the hiring process.

Full time employees will be eligible for excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, employer paid disability insurance, employer paid life insurance, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

For 50 years, Vibrant Emotional Health, formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), has been at the forefront of promoting emotional well-being for all people. As leaders, advocates, educators, and innovators in mental health, we have been raising awareness and offering support to everyone who is struggling. We work every single day to help save lives and assist people to get care anytime, anywhere and in any way that works for them. We are unwavering in our belief that everyone can achieve emotional wellness with the right care and support.