Employment Specialist

The Nicholas Center, Ltd. is a leading nonprofit agency dedicated to revolutionizing how Autistic adults learn, live, and work.

We offer meaningful opportunities, training, and support services within an exciting and supportive workplace environment. Work at the #1 non-profit on Long Island, which expanded with a second location in Westchester in 2020.

*Join us on-site in Pleasantville, NY!

Job Description: The Employment Specialist provides direct services under Supported Employment (SEMP) and Pathways to Employment (PTE) to participants employed in the community, guiding them through job tasks and promoting independence in the workplace. This role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with local employers, advocating for participant needs, and upholding the organization’s core values and Code of Ethics.

This role is responsible for identifying each participant's strengths, interests, support needs and ideal work conditions and translating that information into meaningful employment opportunities and job matches. Additionally, the Employment Specialist supports the program's growth by identifying new job opportunities and attending networking events. Reliable transportation and compliance with safe driving policies are also required, as the role can involve transporting participants in a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Provide individualized job coaching to participants employed in the community, supporting skill development, task completion and workplace expectations.
• Monitor participant job performance and stability, addressing challenges proactively.
• Promote independence through structured support and appropriate fading strategies.
• Conduct comprehensive discovery and assessment in accordance with OPWDD guidelines to inform job development and placement.
• Facilitate career exploration and assist in identifying and developing new employment and internship opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers.
• Provide training and guidance to employers to provide inclusive workplaces.
• Advocate for participant needs and promote successful inclusion and workplace accommodations.
• Participate in networking events and community outreach.
• Act as a representative of TNC, demonstrating professionalism and collaboration.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and within required timelines.
• Complete all required training and maintain compliance with OPWDD and TNC standards.
• Participate in weekly SEMP team meetings and case discussions.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to support participant outcomes.
• Adhere to TNC’s Core Values: People, Professionalism, Community, Innovation and Integrity.
• Maintain confidentiality and upload the organization's Code of Ethics.
• Use a personal vehicle to transport participants, with required liability insurance. Comply with TNC’s safe driving policies; compensation includes time spent transporting participants and mileage reimbursement.

Key Qualifications:

• Ability to translate discovery and assessment information into actionable job goals.
• Strong organizational, time management and documentation skills.
• Relationship building with employers and community partners.
• Effective coaching, teaching and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple participants and responsibilities.

This role requires consistent documentation, proactive communication and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining high quality, person-centered services.

Schedule/Timing: Monday-Friday 9:15 AM - 3:15 PM

*Availability until 5PM may be requested depending on programmatic needs.

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23