SPARK Career Development Trainee

Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern CT; Windsor (CT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Mentoring

CESP credential

PTO & holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life, disability & AD&D insurance

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut is offering a paid Employment Services Trainee Program in Windsor, CT. The role provides structured classroom and hands-on training, mentorship, and preparation for the CES P credential to help people with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment.

The program includes paid training, mentoring from experienced professionals, and opportunities to travel to community sites while you build practical skills and a career with purpose.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Passion for helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching and feedback.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; travel throughout the service area as needed.

Responsibilities

• Complete a structured training program combining classroom instruction and supervised hands-on experience.
• Complete at least 36 hours of instructor-led training focused on employment services and best practices.
• Shadow experienced Employment Specialists and Job Coaches while developing practical skills.
• Participate in regular coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback sessions.
• Prepare for and become eligible to sit for the CES P examination.
• Assist individuals with disabilities in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment.
• Apply person-centered employment support strategies.
• Assist with job readiness activities and workplace skill development.
• Build positive relationships with participants, employers, families, and community partners.
• Observe and gradually provide employment support services under supervision; travel to sites as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and service records; participate in team meetings and trainings.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Organization

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Professional Windsor, CT, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1007

Who are we?

Easterseals is a leader in building thriving communities by opening doors to support and participation for people with disabilities, Veterans, and families. We empower people to achieve greater independence through employment, education, rehabilitation, and community-based services.

We believe meaningful employment changes lives. Through this grant funded Employment Services Trainee Program, you'll receive paid training, hands-on experience, and mentorship while preparing for a rewarding career helping individuals with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment. This unique opportunity is designed to develop the next generation of employment professionals through structured learning and real-world experience.

What's in it for you?

At Easterseals, you'll do more than start a job - you'll begin a career with purpose. Through this paid training opportunity, you'll gain the knowledge, hands‑on experience, and preparation needed to pursue the nationally recognized Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential while helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment and greater independence.

Whether you're beginning your career or looking to transition into the human services field, this position provides the training, mentorship, and support needed to build a rewarding career. If you're passionate about helping others succeed and are excited to build a career where your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

• Competitive compensation
• Paid training and professional development
• Individual mentoring from experienced employment professionals
• Opportunity to earn the nationally recognized CESP credential
• Industry-leading paid time off, including paid holidays
• Medical, dental and vision benefit options
• Secure document and electronics destruction for you and your household
• Company-paid life, disability and AD&D insurance
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• A fun and supportive work environment

What will you do?

Training & Certification

• Complete a structured training program combining classroom instruction and supervised hands‑on experience
• Complete at least 36 hours of instructor‑led training focused on employment services and best practices
• Shadow experienced Employment Specialists and Job Coaches while developing practical skills
• Participate in regular coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback sessions
• Prepare for and become eligible to sit for the nationally recognized Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) examination

Employment Services

• Assist individuals with disabilities in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment
• Learn and apply person‑centered employment support strategies
• Assist with job readiness activities, workplace skill development, and employment retention supports
• Build positive relationships with participants, employers, families, and community partners
• Observe and gradually provide employment support services under the supervision of experienced staff
• Travel throughout the community to support participants at employment and training sites as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation and service records
• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing training
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements
• Collaborate with supervisors and mentors to monitor progress and professional growth
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Passion for helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching and feedback
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance with the ability to travel throughout the service area as needed

Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process for qualified individuals with disabilities.