Employment Specialist- TRACS

Advocates; Hopkinton (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in central Massachusetts is seeking a dedicated full-time Employment Specialist to support individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. You will conduct group and one-on-one sessions, build job readiness skills, and help navigate applications, interviews, and job coaching.

This role involves driving to the Worcester, Milford, Northbridge area and surrounding towns, with a starting rate of $21.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associates degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, agency mission and values.
• Communicate effectively with each client as well as family members, when necessary.
• Manage a case load for 6-7 clients helping them look for work as well as job coaching individuals already employed.
• Create own schedule based on client caseload and communicate schedule weekly with supervisor.
• Ability to think creatively to engage the client and help each person meet their employment goals.
• Ability to source job opportunities off of several different online job boards and communicate effectively with employers.
• Help clients with job applications, cover letters, resumes, interview skills and other soft skills needed for successful employment.
• Work independently as well as directly with each individual during the job development process.
• Complete required monthly progress reports and keep detailed job development logs and records for each individual on your caseload

Skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Excellent communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associates degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $21.50/hour

The TRACS program is seeking a dedicated full time Employment Specialist to work in the central mass area and surrounding towns, including Worcester, Milford, Northbridge areas, but individual must be willing to drive to towns such as Mansfield, Framingham, Clinton, and Sturbridge and well as other towns in between. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently without direct supervision and excellent communication (written and verbal) are a must.

As an Employment Specialist, 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.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’rea nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person‑centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and commitment to, agency mission and values.
• Communicate effectively with each client as well as family members, when necessary.
• Manage a case load for 6-7 clients helping them look for work as well as job coaching individuals already employed
• Create own schedule based on client caseload and communicate schedule weekly with supervisor
• Ability to think creatively to engage the client and help each person meet their employment goals
• Ability to source job opportunities off of several different online job boards and communicate effectively with employers
• Help clients with job applications, cover letters, resumes, interview skills and other soft skills needed for successful employment
• Work independently as well as directly with each individual during the job development process.
• Complete required monthly progress reports and keep detailed job development logs and records for each individual on your caseload

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

• Associates degree preferred.
• At least 1 year experience working with individuals with disabilities/autism.
• Medical experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license along with an acceptable driving status.
• Use of a reliable vehicle, which seats two passengers.
• 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.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.