Relief Employment Specialist

Advocates; Franklin (MA); On-site; USD 21,025 - 29,945; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Franklin, MA is looking for an Employment Specialist to assist individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. The role includes managing a caseload, providing tailored job support, and helping clients with job applications, interviews, and soft skills development. Candidates should have a High School Diploma/GED, preferably with an Associate's degree and at least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities. A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are also necessary.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year experience working with individuals with disabilities/autism.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
• Medical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with disabilities in attaining and maintaining employment.
• Manage a caseload of 6-7 clients.
• Help clients with job applications, resumes, and interview skills.

Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Oral communication

Written Communication

Planning/organizing

Dependability

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associates degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

As an Employment Specialist at the 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 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

Relief for the following locations: Ashland, Franklin, and Plainville. Program operating hours are Monday‑Friday 8am‑4pm.

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.
• 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.