What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Center for Vocational Rehabilitation?
CVR is a non-profit organization, 501(c)3, whose mission is to promote a quality of life by reinforcing dignity and integrity in the lives of ourselves and the people we serve. It takes a team of highly trained professionals working together to help those with disabilities, special needs and diverse abilities to become positive contributors to our community's workforce.
CVR is seeking a motivated Employment Specialist to serve Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, with a competitive bonus structure designed to reward performance and successful job placements. In this role, you will play a vital part in helping individuals with special needs secure and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll collaborate closely with participants, employers, and support teams to create strong job matches, ensure workplace success, and drive long-term employment outcomes—while earning incentives based on your impact and results.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage participant progress from initial intake through continued delivery of employment support services
Conduct intake assessments for new program referrals to determine employment readiness and vocational goals
Create individualized placement plans tailored to the needs of each participant and aligned with funding source requirements
Identify job opportunities that match participants' skills, interests, and career goals
Guide participants through all phases of the job search process, including resume/cover letter writing, interview preparation, grooming, punctuality, basic computer skills, and scheduling
Build and maintain relationships with local employers, promoting the benefits of the job coaching program
Provide on-site job coaching and supervision to ensure participants meet workplace expectations and standards
Maintain open, ongoing communication with participants and employers to monitor progress, identify needs, and provide reasonable accommodation, as necessary
Assist with arranging transportation and childcare services to support consistent job attendance
Help participants adjust to workplace policies, procedures, and culture
Encourage and develop natural workplace supports to promote participant independence
Assist with obtaining work-related items such as tools, equipment, and clothing through available funding sources when not provided by the employer
Conduct regular job site evaluations to assess job fit and performance
Accurately complete documentation, including daily logs and performance records
Keep funding agency representatives informed of participant status and progress
Collaborate with counselors to evaluate long-term employment needs and provide ongoing support services
Attend bi-monthly staff meetings and submit required documentation in a timely manner
Ensure adherence to program standards by maintaining a contract compliance rating of 80% or higher
Required Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field
Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs (preferred)
Experience in employment services, job development, or vocational counseling (preferred)
Strong understanding of supported employment models and vocational rehabilitation services
Familiarity with ADA regulations and reasonable workplace accommodations
Ability to develop individualized employment plans based on participant goals
Knowledge of local labor market and employer expectations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to build trusting relationships with clients, employers, and community partners
Professional demeanor and strong customer service orientation
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online job search platforms
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
Capable of managing multiple cases and working independently
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (required)
Ability to travel to job sites in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, community locations, and program meetings as needed; Must be willing to work 1 day per week in Eatontown, NJ (Monmouth County)
Willingness to work flexible hours: Monday through Friday, between 8am-4pm; Occasional adjustments may be needed based on participant or employer needs
CVR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,000.00 - $38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Mileage reimbursement
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
How many years of experience do you have working with individuals with disabilities or special needs?
How many years of experience do you have in assisting with employment services, job development, or vocational counseling?
The pay range for this position is $35,000-$38,000 annually. Are you able to commit to the salary requirement for this role?
The hours for this position are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Are you able to commit to the schedule required for this role?
Do you have a valid Driver's License, clean driving record, and reliable transportation?
Are you able to travel to job sites in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, community locations, and program meetings as needed?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: On the road
CVR is seeking a motivated Employment Specialist to serve Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, with a competitive bonus structure designed to reward performance and successful job placements. In this role, you will play a vital part in helping individuals with special needs secure and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll collaborate closely with participants, employers, and support teams to create strong job matches, ensure workplace success, and drive long-term employment outcomes—while earning incentives based on your impact and results.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage participant progress from initial intake through continued delivery of employment support services
Conduct intake assessments for new program referrals to determine employment readiness and vocational goals
Create individualized placement plans tailored to the needs of each participant and aligned with funding source requirements
Identify job opportunities that match participants' skills, interests, and career goals
Guide participants through all phases of the job search process, including resume/cover letter writing, interview preparation, grooming, punctuality, basic computer skills, and scheduling
Build and maintain relationships with local employers, promoting the benefits of the job coaching program
Provide on-site job coaching and supervision to ensure participants meet workplace expectations and standards
Maintain open, ongoing communication with participants and employers to monitor progress, identify needs, and provide reasonable accommodation, as necessary
Assist with arranging transportation and childcare services to support consistent job attendance
Help participants adjust to workplace policies, procedures, and culture
Encourage and develop natural workplace supports to promote participant independence
Assist with obtaining work-related items such as tools, equipment, and clothing through available funding sources when not provided by the employer
Conduct regular job site evaluations to assess job fit and performance
Accurately complete documentation, including daily logs and performance records
Keep funding agency representatives informed of participant status and progress
Collaborate with counselors to evaluate long-term employment needs and provide ongoing support services
Attend bi-monthly staff meetings and submit required documentation in a timely manner
Ensure adherence to program standards by maintaining a contract compliance rating of 80% or higher
Required Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field
Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs (preferred)
Experience in employment services, job development, or vocational counseling (preferred)
Strong understanding of supported employment models and vocational rehabilitation services
Familiarity with ADA regulations and reasonable workplace accommodations
Ability to develop individualized employment plans based on participant goals
Knowledge of local labor market and employer expectations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to build trusting relationships with clients, employers, and community partners
Professional demeanor and strong customer service orientation
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online job search platforms
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
Capable of managing multiple cases and working independently
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (required)
Ability to travel to job sites in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, community locations, and program meetings as needed; Must be willing to work 1 day per week in Eatontown, NJ (Monmouth County)
Willingness to work flexible hours: Monday through Friday, between 8am-4pm; Occasional adjustments may be needed based on participant or employer needs
CVR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,000.00 - $38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Mileage reimbursement
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
How many years of experience do you have working with individuals with disabilities or special needs?
How many years of experience do you have in assisting with employment services, job development, or vocational counseling?
The pay range for this position is $35,000-$38,000 annually. Are you able to commit to the salary requirement for this role?
The hours for this position are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Are you able to commit to the schedule required for this role?
Do you have a valid Driver's License, clean driving record, and reliable transportation?
Are you able to travel to job sites in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, community locations, and program meetings as needed?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $35,000 - $38,000