Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Job Category: Employment Specialist

Requisition Number: EMPLO
002103

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• Posted :
  December 10, 2025
• Full-Time
• On-site

Showing 1 location

Austin, TX 78702, USA

Life Works of Austin, TX is looking for Employment Specialists to join our Workforce Development program! An Employment Specialist provides community-based supported employment and education services to youth and young adults, utilizing the evidence-based Individual Placement & Support model. The Employment Specialist works to promote clients’ recovery and wellness by assisting them in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment that aligns with their preferences, strengths, and long-term career goals.

This position also provides administrative support by maintaining client files, entering data, and completing required documentation in compliance with contracts.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $24.86-$27.17/hr. depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed supported employment services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, diagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Individual Placement and Support model is adhered to and considered in interaction with and documentation of client-employment specialist engagement. Participate in regular field monitoring, training, and job shadowing in accordance with the Individual Placement Support model.
• Transport clients after hours to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, and to work, as well as to other agencies or services that may help a client achieve their employment/educational goals, as needed.
• Attend job fairs and other outreach events in the community to promote the program as well as the agency.
• Conduct a minimum of 6 in-person employer contacts per week that are designed to develop relationships with employers and learn about their business and hiring needs; describe supports offered by the Workforce program, introduce potential job candidates from caseload that are appropriate to employer’s available positions.
• Apply interviewing skills to learn about individual client preferences, past experiences, hopes and concerns regarding employment; assess clients' vocational functioning utilizing background information and work experiences.
• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined employment or educational goals.
• Complete intake forms and assessments with clients seeking supported employment or supported education services.
• Actively engage in the community alongside clients to conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests of the people on their caseload.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in seeking and maintaining employment and/or completing education goals.
• Develop an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporate input from team and/or family members, with permission.
• Write job support goals and steps with clients and incorporate input from larger client-centered team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Provide supported education, using principles of the Individual Placement & Support model, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Meet periodically with staff from across Life Works to provide…