UIL Employment Specialist

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst in Massachusetts is seeking a UIL Employment Specialist to support students' employment by providing career development and job coaching services. The role involves developing inclusive employment opportunities on campus and in the community.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience in disability advocacy or program management. A hybrid work schedule is offered, and the position is grant-funded with work primarily in a university environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in disability advocacy or program management.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career advising and employment planning.
• Deliver job readiness instruction including resume development.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community employers.
• Provide on-site and remote job coaching support.
• Maintain accurate records of student employment outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Title: UIL Employment Specialist

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Support Programs

Department: Disability Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The University Inclusive Learning (UIL) Employment Specialist is responsible for advancing student employment outcomes by providing individualized career development, internship placement, and job coaching services. This position will build inclusive employment opportunities across campus and within the community and serves as a key liaison among students, employers, and state agency partners. This is a grant‑funded position with reappointment dependent on funding availability.

Essential Functions

• Provide individualized weekly career advising and employment planning for UIL students, including regular weekly meetings to assess student progress and adjust goals as needed.
• Deliver job readiness instruction, including resume development, interviewing, and workplace skills.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with UMass Amherst departments and community employers.
• Identify and develop inclusive internships through work‑based learning opportunities, and support students in building skills to become competitive candidates for paid employment and securing integrated internship placements.
• Educate employers on disability inclusion and workplace accommodations.
• Provide on‑site and remote job coaching and support directly or indirectly with assigned coaching staff to foster student independence.
• Utilize the Massachusetts Work‑Based Learning Plan (WBLP) to assess and track student job skill development.
• Maintain accurate records of student employment outcomes and progress. Provide records of student internship outcomes to Department of Higher Education (DHE).
• Support program evaluation and Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) reporting requirements.
• Supervise student employees and peer mentors. Provide case management for assigned students.
• Train and support Education Coaches and Job Coaches to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Coordinate with external agencies, including Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassAbility (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission).
• Participate in student planning meetings and transition coordination. Attend required DHE / MAIPSE meetings and trainings.
• Support the Program Coordinator with administrative, operational, and fiscal functions, including budget assistance, grants and contracts management, and program assessment activities.
• Assist in collecting, verifying, and interpreting medical and related assessment records to develop appropriate accommodations and support services.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations related to disability rights, discrimination, privacy, and reasonable accommodations.
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Career Services and Student Affairs.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in a related field including but not limited to disability advocacy, provision of accommodations for individuals with disabilities, program coordination, or program management.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MAIPSE‑funded or similar inclusive higher education programs.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE).
• Knowledge of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), DDS, and MassAbility systems and service coordination.
• Experience with job coaching.
• Familiarity with UMass Amherst systems, departments, and campus culture.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26. Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.