Employment Specialist Trainee – SPARK CT

Ability Beyond; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Ability Beyond in Connecticut is seeking motivated individuals for the Employment Specialist Trainee – SPARK CT, a 9-month paid training position. As a trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in employment services, coaching, and community outreach, with opportunities to grow into an Employment Specialist role.

The program includes hands-on learning, mentorship, and supervised practice, with a focus on person-centered approaches.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
• Interest in supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusion.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and achieve employment goals with individuals.
• Engage in job development, employer outreach, and community networking.
• Provide job coaching and workplace support strategies.
• Maintain case management, service coordination, and documentation.
• Build relationships with employers, families, funding sources, and community partners.
• Apply person-centered, trauma-informed, inclusive practices.
• Complete service documentation and learn agency systems such as Salesforce and Evolv.
• Participate in SPARK CT training, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Opportunities are available in 3 locations: Greater Waterbury Greater Danbury, Greater Norwalk/Stamford/Bridgeport

Pay Rate: $20.50/hour

Duration of position: 9 months

Launch a Meaningful Career While Empowering Others

At Ability Beyond, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue meaningful work and live a life of their own design. We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals who want to build a career helping people with disabilities achieve their employment goals.

The Employment Specialist Trainee – SPARK CT is an entry-level 9 month paid training position designed to prepare you for a career in employment services. Through hands-on learning, coaching, mentorship, and supervised experience, you'll develop the skills needed to support individuals in finding and maintaining meaningful employment in their communities.

What You'll Do

As a trainee, you'll learn all aspects of employment services, including:

• Supporting individuals in developing and achieving employment goals
• Job development, employer outreach, and community networking
• Job coaching and workplace support strategies
• Case management, service coordination, and documentation
• Building relationships with employers, families, funding sources, and community partners
• Utilizing person-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices
• Completing service documentation and learning agency systems, including Salesforce and Evolv
• Participating in SPARK CT training, team meetings, and ongoing professional development

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Interest in supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting community inclusion
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to learn new technology and documentation systems
• Valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and automobile insurance
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas and transport individuals as needed
• Successful completion of required background checks

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in employment and human services
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced professionals
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Training in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, and person-centered practices
• Preparation for the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential and advancement into an Employment Specialist role
• Please note, this position does not include benefits, as it is a temporary role.

Join a Team That Sees Ability

At Ability Beyond, you'll do more than build a career—you'll help people discover their strengths, achieve their goals, and create lives filled with opportunity and purpose.