Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Life Works Austin

Posted On Feb 9, 2026

Salary Range Hourly, see description

Job Type Full Time

Work Location In-Person 835 North Pleasent Valley Road Austin TX 78702 , US

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, Life Works is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at Life Works offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.

Life Works
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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!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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…