Employment Specialist

Help people discover what they’re capable of—and build meaningful careers along the way.

At ALULA, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, connect with their community, and experience the pride that comes from meaningful employment. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll play an important role in making that possible.

You’ll work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities to explore their interests and strengths, identify employment opportunities, prepare for interviews, learn job responsibilities, and develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in competitive, community-based employment.

This is a hands-on, relationship-focused position for someone who is patient, encouraging, adaptable, and passionate about helping others reach their goals.

What You'll Do

• Get to know each participant—their interests, strengths, abilities, goals, and support needs—and help connect them with employment opportunities that are a good fit.
• Assist individuals with completing job applications, preparing for interviews, and developing the skills needed to pursue employment.
• Develop relationships with local employers and identify meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Provide hands-on coaching and training at job sites, teaching job duties, workplace expectations, and appropriate social and interpersonal skills.
• Use modeling, verbal prompts, gestures, and other supportive techniques to help individuals build confidence and become as independent as possible in their work.
• Support participants in learning new responsibilities, adapting to changes at work, and developing skills that promote long-term job success.
• Conduct community-based assessments, job shadowing, workplace tours, and job sampling to help participants explore different career possibilities.
• Work collaboratively with participants, employers, families and caregivers when appropriate, ALULA team members, and community and funding partners.
• Serve as a professional advocate for individuals with disabilities while maintaining positive relationships with employers and community partners.
• Help coordinate workplace accommodations or modifications when needed.
• Provide follow-up support to participants and employers and offer additional training when job duties or workplace needs change.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with ALULA policies, funding requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys helping people grow and succeed. You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Encouraging and patient – You understand that everyone learns differently and celebrate progress along the way.
• Flexible and adaptable – Every participant, employer, and work environment is different, and you’re comfortable adjusting your approach.
• Positive and solutions-oriented – You can learn from challenges, recognize successes, and use both to help individuals continue moving forward.
• A strong communicator – You’re comfortable building relationships with participants, families, employers, coworkers, and community partners.
• Independent and organized – You can manage your time, documentation, appointments, and changing priorities.
• A lifelong learner – You’re open to learning new approaches and continuously developing your own skills.
• A team player – You value collaboration and understand that successful employment support is a team effort.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, special education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with adults with disabilities preferred.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on participants’ employment and training needs, which may occasionally include evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete required background and registry checks, drug screening, and applicable health-care registry checks.

The Nature of the Work

This is a hands-on position. Employment Specialists work in a variety of community settings and may spend much of their day alongside participants at their workplaces. The position requires the ability to stand for extended periods and to bend, stoop, twist, reach, push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds. You must also be able to enter and exit vehicles and assist participants as needed and work in varying weather conditions and environments.

Flexibility is an important part of this role, as the needs of participants and employers may vary from day to day.

Why This Work Matters

The work you do as an Employment Specialist can have a lasting impact. You’re not simply helping someone find a job—you’re helping create opportunities for independence, confidence, connection, purpose, and belonging.

If you’re looking for work where your relationships, encouragement, and support can make a real difference in someone’s life, we’d love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ALULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ALULA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws providing for nondiscrimination in employment. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description describes the essential functions and requirements of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be asked to perform other duties as needed and may need to maintain flexibility in their work schedule.