Employment Specialist

The Kennedy Collective Inc • Trumbull, CT

5d • $21 - $26

About The Position

The Employment Specialist helps individuals identify, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment while developing relationships with employers throughout the community. The role involves employer engagement and job development, supporting individuals in identifying and addressing barriers to work, and providing individualized assistance throughout the employment process. Depending on program assignment, the specialist may serve individuals participating in ISE, T2E, BRS, DMHAS, Ticket to Work, or other employment programs. Core responsibilities are consistent regardless of program or funding source.

The position is based in Trumbull, Connecticut, with statewide travel as needed for programs and participants. Work takes place in community settings, employer locations, schools, offices, program sites, public settings, and vehicles. Hours vary according to program and participant needs; day, evening, occasional weekend, and occasionally holiday availability may be required. The position is non-exempt and hourly, with a stated pay range of $19.00–$24.00 per hour. Eligible employees may participate in the organization’s benefits program, subject to plan eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets organizational requirements.
• Ability to travel regularly to employer, community, school, and program locations.
• Ability to work independently, organize daily responsibilities, communicate concerns, and complete required documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including email and electronic documentation.
• Ability to satisfy applicable pre-employment and ongoing background-screening requirements.
• Ability to complete and maintain training and certifications required by The Kennedy Collective or the assigned Workforce program.
• Willingness and eligibility to complete federal suitability screening when assigned to SSA Ticket to Work Employment Network services.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in employment services, job development, job coaching, workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, education, human services, or a related setting.
• Experience helping individuals prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.
• Experience building relationships with employers or community partners.
• CPR/First Aid or other relevant program-specific training, or the ability to obtain it within the timeframe established by The Kennedy Collective.

Responsibilities

• Identify prospective employers, conduct outreach, build professional relationships, and connect qualified individuals with competitive employment opportunities.
• Help job seekers identify career interests, strengths, employment goals, skills, and potential barriers to successful employment.
• Prepare individuals for employment through résumé development, applications, interview preparation, job-search strategies, workplace expectations, and other individualized readiness activities.
• Provide individualized job coaching and workplace support, helping individuals learn job duties, meet employer expectations, build natural supports, and increase independence.
• Partner with employers to understand workforce needs, identify employment opportunities, support successful placements, and maintain ongoing relationships.
• Help individuals navigate benefits and employment decisions, including how employment may interact with benefits, work incentives, and other appropriate resources.
• Identify and reduce employment barriers by connecting individuals with transportation, benefits, community resources, accommodations, technology, training, and other supports.
• Help individuals develop work-life strategies related to scheduling, transportation, workplace communication, attendance, and problem-solving.
• Coordinate services with individuals, employers, families, referral sources, government agencies, and other authorized members of the employment or support team.
• Maintain accurate and timely service notes, employment outcomes, employer contacts, program data, billing documentation, and other required records.
• Travel throughout the community to meet individuals, conduct employer outreach, visit employment sites, and provide services where needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, where applicable.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions, if eligible.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick time and floating holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee discount and wellness programs.
• Additional voluntary benefits offered by The Kennedy Collective.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED