Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Job Category: Employment Specialist

Requisition Number: EMPLO
002115

• Posted :
  January 6, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

East
835 N Pleasant Valley Rd
Austin, TX 78702, USA

• 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 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. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry.
• Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment (e.g., State , birth certificate, Social Security card) and support clients with connections to community resources to ensure their basic…