Employment & Training Specialist 1 - SPARK CT Program

Welcome!  Thank you for exploring a career with us!  Our team of 500 dedicated employees share the desire to do meaningful work and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Oklahoma. 

Employment & Training Specialist I (SPARK- CT Pilot Program)

Location: Middletown, CT
Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (10-Month Pilot Program)
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:00PM (Flexible start/end times; occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet participant needs.)
Hourly Rate: $23.84 per hour
Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2026 (or no later than August 15, 2026)

Launch Your Career While Making a Difference

Viability is excited to partner with SPARK-CT (Strengthening Professional Advancement in Rehabilitation Knowledge via Certified Training) to offer a unique 10-month employment and training opportunity for individuals who are passionate about helping people with disabilities achieve meaningful employment.

This position is part of a pilot program developed in partnership with Connecticut's Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Participants will receive paid, hands-on experience while completing SPARK-CT's nationally recognized Direct Employment Support Professional training and certification.

Please Note: This is a temporary 10-month position created specifically for the SPARK-CT pilot initiative. While this position is not guaranteed to become permanent, successful program outcomes, organizational needs, and the effectiveness of participant employment referrals may create future opportunities for long-term employment with Viability.

Position Summary

As an Employment & Training Specialist, you will provide orientation, training, coaching, and support to individuals with disabilities as they pursue and maintain meaningful employment in the community.

Working alongside experienced employment professionals, you will:

• Implement individualized employment plans designed to maximize participant success.
• Provide job coaching, training, and workplace support.
• Assist participants in developing employment skills and achieving vocational goals.
• Build relationships with employers and community partners.
• Document participant progress and maintain accurate records.
• Travel throughout the region to support participants in community, residential, and workplace settings.
• Complete the SPARK-CT Direct Employment Support Professional certification during your employment.

Individuals with experience in human services, direct support, residential services, education, job coaching, workforce development, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates and those fluent in ASL are encouraged to apply. A stipend is available for qualifying language skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or HiSET with a minimum of three (3) years of related experience required. An associate's degree with at least one (1) year of relevant experience is preferred.
• Passion for supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving employment and independence.
• Respect for and commitment to working with diverse populations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable personal vehicle and willingness to transport participants when necessary.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, email, internet navigation, and data entry.

About SPARK-CT

SPARK-CT is a 10-month workforce development initiative created by Connecticut's Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. The program prepares professionals to become certified Direct Employment Support Professionals by combining classroom instruction with real-world employment experience. Participants gain valuable, nationally transferable credentials while learning how to help individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain meaningful employment. This partnership provides an opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a lasting impact in your community.

Why Join Viability?

"At Viability, we believe meaningful work changes lives, including the lives of our employees. Last year alone, more than 30 employees were promoted into new roles supporting their professional growth."

Full-time Viability staff members are eligible for the following:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance plans.
• Dependent care flexible spending account.
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings account.
• Pet-plan discount program offered through Fetch.                    
• Company paid Long-term Disability insurance.
• Company paid Short-term Disability insurance. (NY & OK employees only)    
• Company paid Life & AD&D insurance.

Benefits & Perks for all Viability staff members:

• Employer matched 403B contributions starting day 1 of employment.
• Eligible for Tuition Reimbursement.
• Generous paid time off.
• 11 Paid Holidays a year.
• Access to training and professional development resources through our comprehensive online learning platform.
• Referral Incentive bonus. For every friend, family member, or previous co-worker you refer to join our Viability team, you will receive an incentive bonus for each successfully hired candidate!
• Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential assistance for all life challenges.
• Work-life balance.

Who We Are

Our team of 480 dedicated employees share the desire to do meaningful work and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Oklahoma.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build a world in which individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages realize acceptance, inclusion, and access.

 Our Vision

Be a community of program participants and staff making inclusion and access of individuals with disabilities or disadvantages a way for people, businesses, and communities to succeed together.

Apply Today

This is a 10-month temporary pilot opportunity beginning August 1, 2026. While this position is not guaranteed to become permanent, outstanding performance and the success of the pilot program may help inform future employment opportunities with Viability.

Visit the Careers section at Viability.org to apply.

If you need accommodations during the application process, please call or text (413) 461-9486. We're happy to assist.