Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Job Category: Employment Specialist

Requisition Number: EMPLO
002225

• Posted :
  September 17, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Showing 1 location

Austin, TX 78702, USA

Life Works
of
Austin, TX is looking for an Employment Specialist to join our Workforce Development team!

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. Employment Specialists are also expected to create and sustain partnerships with various employers and educational programs in the community.

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 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 in-person 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 to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, worksites, and supportive service agencies both during regular work hours and after hours, as needed to help them achieve their employment and education goals. Regularly and effectively assess and manage incidents and crisis situations, with calm, care, and positive regard for clients, using de-escalation and safety planning techniques as appropriate.
• 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 with hiring managers which 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 recurring 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
• Provide individualized follow-along support to assist clients in…