Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Join to apply for the Employment Specialist - Workforce Development role at Life Works Austin

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 role promotes 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 to $27.17/hr, depending upon experience. Benefits include 24 paid time off days per year (accrued), 11 paid holidays, a premium‑free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution, additional medical, dental, and vision options, a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and more.

• Provide client‑centered, trauma‑informed supported employment services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, system involvement, diagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Collaborate with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Individual Placement and Support model and to document client‑employment specialist engagement.
• Transport clients after hours to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, work, and other agencies or services that may help clients achieve their employment/educational goals.
• Attend job fairs and other outreach events in the community to promote the program and the agency.
• Conduct a minimum of 6 in‑person employer contacts per week to develop relationships with employers, learn about their business and hiring needs, and introduce potential job candidates from the caseload.
• Apply interviewing skills to learn about individual client preferences, past experiences, hopes, and concerns regarding employment; assess clients’ vocational functioning using background information and work experiences.
• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help them achieve their self‑defined employment or educational goals.
• Complete intake forms and assessments for clients seeking supported employment or supported education services.
• Engage in the community alongside clients to conduct job development and job search activities directed toward individualized positions.
• 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, incorporating input from the team and/or family members, with permission.
• Write job support goals and steps with clients, incorporating input from the larger client‑centered team and adjusting plans as needed.
• Provide education and support to employers, including negotiating job accommodations and following up with employers on behalf of clients.
• 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 across Life Works to provide coordinated wrap‑around services.
• Assist clients with developing job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview skills, soft skills, and presentation skills.
• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client‑focused solutions.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure, and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency regarding data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data…