Job Developer / Employment Specialist Overview
Join our team as a Job Developer / Employment Specialist and help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. This position supports individuals who are receiving employment services funded through the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS).
The Employment Specialist works one-on-one with clients to provide practical, individualized support throughout the job-search and employment process. Responsibilities include creating and updating resumes, searching for appropriate job openings, completing applications, preparing clients for interviews, practicing interview skills, connecting with employers, assisting with job placement, and providing follow-up support after employment.
This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings based on client preference and service needs. In-person meetings may take place at a library, community location, or another mutually agreed-upon location.
The ideal candidate is patient, dependable, organized, resourceful, and passionate about helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain meaningful employment.
Responsibilities
- Work individually with clients with disabilities receiving employment services through ORS.
- Assist clients with identifying and applying for appropriate job opportunities.
- Search for job openings using online job boards, company websites, community resources, and other employment resources.
- Create, update, and tailor resumes and cover letters to specific job opportunities.
- Assist clients with completing online and paper job applications.
- Prepare clients for interviews through individualized coaching and mock interviews.
- Practice common interview questions and help clients develop effective ways to communicate their skills and experience.
- Provide guidance on workplace expectations, professionalism, communication, workplace etiquette, and self-advocacy.
- Help clients prepare for and navigate the hiring process.
- Develop relationships with employers and identify employment opportunities that may be a good match for clients.
- Assist with job placement and onboarding activities.
- Provide follow-up support after placement to help clients maintain successful employment.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client services, job-search activities, applications, interviews, placements, and employment outcomes.
- Provide services remotely while offering in-person meetings when appropriate and preferred by the client.
- Connect clients with appropriate community and employment resources.
- Maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.
Qualifications & Experience
- Required: Experience working directly with individuals with disabilities.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health disabilities, or other disabilities is strongly preferred.
- Experience in job development, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, case management, social services, coaching, or a related field preferred.
- Experience assisting individuals with resumes, job searches, employment applications, or interview preparation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build positive, professional relationships with clients.
- Patient, supportive, and encouraging approach when working with individuals with disabilities.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Comfortable working independently in a primarily remote environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common online tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, email, video conferencing, and online job-search platforms.
- Strong written documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information appropriately.
- Ability to travel locally for occasional in-person client meetings is preferred.
- Knowledge of disability employment services, reasonable accommodations, and vocational rehabilitation is a plus.
- Relevant education or certifications in vocational rehabilitation, human services, social work, psychology, education, or a related field are a plus but not required.
Work Environment
- Primarily remote position
- Occasional in-person meetings based on client preference and service needs
- In-person meetings may occur at libraries, community locations, or other appropriate locations
- Flexible and individualized service delivery
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys helping people succeed in the workplace. The successful candidate will be compassionate, dependable, patient, encouraging, and comfortable working with individuals with a wide range of disabilities and support needs.
The right person will be able to provide hands-on assistance throughout the employment process—from creating a resume and searching for jobs to completing applications, preparing for interviews, obtaining employment, and providing support after a client is hired.
If you are passionate about disability inclusion and helping individuals obtain and maintain meaningful employment, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: $26.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cranston, RI 02920
