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Employment Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

An Employment Specialist, or Employment Advisor, helps people find suitable jobs. They usually focus on assisting individuals with mental health issues, disabilities or those from other underrepresented groups such as refugees. Their main duties include establishing trusting relationships with clients, helping them understand their rights in the workplace and connecting them with job development and vocational opportunities.

Employment Specialist duties and responsibilities

Employment Specialists help job seekers who access support services to identify their strengths, goals and talents in view of helping them find work. In some cases, they might connect job seekers to training or educational programs to help them develop their skills. These professionals can also provide guidance and assistance to the client and their employer once they find work.

Specific Employment Specialist job duties could include:

  • Identifying benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, and determining how employment might impact eligibility

  • Discussing a client’s preferences for disclosure of health status to prospective employers

  • Conducting job searches or seeking opportunities for vocational skill development on behalf of a job seeker

  • Making contact with prospective employers, learning about job requirements, explaining the program and describing the job seeker clients

  • Scheduling and overseeing follow-up support to help the client maintain their employment

  • Providing educational support to employers (with consent from the client) to ensure their needs and rights are respected

  • Working with support teams, such as mental health workers or social workers, to write job support plans for clients according to their needs and preferences

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Employment Specialist Job Description Examples

Example 1

With NTI, you will do meaningful work on the first day. Our collaborative culture is key to our success in training and helping to place individuals with disabilities in remote positions. We are dedicated to providing an environment that fosters growth, values what makes you unique, and provides you with the tools and support to be successful.

Build your future with us, while helping others build theirs!

Position Summary:

The Employment Specialist Supervisor will be managing and working alongside their team to support people with disabilities in their journey to find a job. The supervisor will provide their team with guidance on how to effectively communicate, establish attainable goals, and utilize tools such as skill assessments to understand the candidate s path from training to application.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Providing guidance and training by defining goals, communicating objectives, monitoring team performance, and any new process that affects the team directly/indirectly.
  • Generate, understand, and communicate the defined metrics for success to direct report and team.
  • Monitor and provide feedback on the effectiveness and quality of Employment Specialists
  • Utilizing active listening skills to understand Team concerns that impact the candidates we serve and working with the team to find solutions.
  • Handle escalated calls and issues the Employment Specialist Team Lead is unable to resolve.
  • Serve as backup to assist the team if there are any shortages.
  • Track and approve time off requests from staff.
  • Provide great customer service to our candidates.

    Minimum Requirements:

  • Must pass a Federal Background check.
  • High School Diploma / G.E.D.
  • 2-5 years prior experience as a job coach or in a mentoring role
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Prior experience with the Microsoft Office Suite of programs, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills; must read, write, speak, and hear English.

    Preferred Requirements:

  • Prior experience working with the Social Security Administration s Ticket to Work program and knowledge of SSI/SSDI benefits.
  • 1-2 years of prior supervisory experience.
  • Bachelor s Communications, Business Administration, or other relevant areas.
  • Sensitivity and patience to work with individuals with disabilities.

    Why work at NTI:

    We offer a casual yet professional work environment with Excellent benefits for full-time employees, including a very generous employer contribution to your health and dental benefits, a health savings account (HSA), or a flexible spending account (FSA), dental, vision, and dependent care expenses, a 403b plan with 5 percent employer contribution of gross salary after one year of employment (no employee contribution required), and 100% employer-paid LTD, STD, AD&D, and life insurances. We provide generous paid time-off, including 12 paid company holidays, vacation, birthday, sick and floating holiday time, and half-day Fridays in the summer months of June to August. We also offer tuition reimbursement if you have a plan to continue your studies.

    Physical Demands:

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; or sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and type on a keyboard; reach with hands and arms; balance; speak clearly and hear; Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

    Work Environment:

    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    EOE Disability/Vets

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday



    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Preferred)

    Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: Remote

    • Example 2

    Are you looking for an opportunity that makes a difference in people s lives?

    Now Offering, Up to a $1,000 Hiring Bonus

    Position: Employment Specialist 1

    Location: Coupeville, WA

    Full time; Flexible Scheduling

    Salary Range: $23.00 - 29.90*

    Hiring Range: $23.00 - 26.45 DOE

    Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

    Position Summary

    The Vocational Services Program at Sherwood provides opportunities and assistance for people with disabilities to find and retain employment. This position assists individuals with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in community paid employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Duties include getting to know people and their interests, assisting with resumes and job applications, approaching perspective employers to hire individuals, support during interviews, assistance during hiring and on the job training. This position also maintains excellent communication with the participant, the referring agency, family, guardian, and other involved parties. Must secure job performance feedback from employer and make appropriate adjustments to individual s employment plan to enhance job performance. Must maintain a minimum caseload and provide required documentation in files. Training will be provided.

    Qualifications

    High School diploma with a minimum of one-year experience working with individuals in vocational settings or one year working in the human services field or related experience. Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong recordkeeping and financial management skills are a must. This position requires the ability to be creative in providing services that address the individual needs and desires of people we serve. Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, families, and other professionals is vital. Marketing/Sales experience is also preferred. Must possess a valid WA state driver s license, have automobile insurance, and use own vehicle on the job with mileage reimbursement. Must pass a legal background check.

    About Our Organization

    Sherwood is a growing independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality services to meet the needs of people with disabilities throughout Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties. We believe in the abilities of all people and our mission is to provide innovative, inclusive services for children and adults with disabilities in their communities. These services include early intervention for infants and toddlers, assistive technology for people of all ages, and employment supports for adults.

    Sherwood has over 60 years of experience providing quality services to over 20,000 children and adults with disabilities and continually work to meet the needs of those we serve. We address challenges such as loneliness, isolation, and low expectations that society has for people with disabilities. Our committed team goes the extra mile to ensure people have opportunities to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible. We truly believe our employees are Sherwood s greatest asset, we take pride in ensuring a positive, flexible and responsive work environment. We hire the best and brightest talent to continue to provide quality services that people can count on. We are financially stable and are expanding our programs to serve more people. We have ambitious goals that we are actively working towards achieving in order to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties.

    To learn more visit us at [website]

    If you are an enthusiastic team member ready to join our team please respond to this posting with your resume and cover letter.

    We Offer:

  • Competitive wages
  • Mileage Reimbursement
  • Health & Dental Insurance
  • Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Leave
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Simple IRA Retirement Plan
  • AAA Membership

    Eligibility for benefits dependent on number of hours worked and agency policy.

    *Actual salary range for this position is broader than hiring range

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $23.00 - $29.90 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Signing bonus



    Application Question(s):
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Required
  • Must Pass a Legal Background Check

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    Experience:
  • Vocational/Human Services: 1 year (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: On the road

    • Example 3

    Employment Specialist(South King County)

    MAKE A Difference EVERY DAY

    Wake up looking forward to the positive impact your work will have on building a more just and inclusive world. As an Employment Specialist with SKCAC Employment Services you'll play a vital role in helping people with disabilities find and maintain rewarding careers of their choice in the community. Our dynamic team provides the job development, training and ongoing employment supports that allow people of all abilities the opportunity to work and grow their skills in companies throughout our region. (Learn more at [website])

    Essential Responsibilities

    · Evaluate participants’ interests, skills, abilities through vocational assessments

    · Develop customized jobs in the community and match participants’ with appropriate job openings. Facilitate and support the interview process and job placement

    · Coordinate details and provide hands on training and support to learn and retain new jobs

    · Build and maintain relationships with participants, employers and home support to ensure continued successful employment

    · Check with supported employee and employer at regular intervals. Identify solutions to personnel issues and implement them. This may include tasks lists, positive support plans and other means.

    · Identify opportunities for ongoing career growth and goal achievement with the employer and supported employee

    · Complete and assure the accuracy and timeliness of all reports, documentation, and paperwork

    · Coordinate with funding agencies and meet necessary requirements.

    · Carry out additional responsibilities as identified and assigned by Executive Director and Program Manager

    WE TAKE CARE OF OUR TEAM

    Full time employees receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package. Part time employee positions may be available, featuring flexible hours and other benefits.

    Benefits

    As a full-time employee, you are eligible, following your 60 day probationary period, for medical and dental coverage (premiums paid in full by SKCAC, additional coverage for dependents and spouse is available at employee expense). You will earn sick leave and vacation. Employees earn, from date of employment, paid sick leave/safe time within the terms of the applicable category. Vacation is accrued at 2 weeks after first full year of employment with an additional day each year, maximum 20 days per year. Full time employees will have the opportunity to participate in SKCAC’s Retirement Program with up to 2% Employer match. AAA also provided.

    Qualifications

    · Interest in coaching and training people with developmental disabilities in job related tasks and behaviors that support and maintain employment success

    · Be a quick learner and a good problem solver

    · Function effectively as a team player

    · Be dependable, trustworthy, prompt and cheerful

    · Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills

    · Knowledge and practical computer experience (Office, Outlook)

    · Have a valid WA or other state driver's license and proof of auto insurance

    · Acceptable five (5) year driving record and no legal record

    · Have reliable transportation and willingness to use private vehicle for business purpose

    · COVID vaccination, meeting requirements for initial series and boosters.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Email your cover letter and resume to [website] include the words "Employment Consultant" in the subject line. SKCAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SKCAC Employment Services ensures that applicants are considered for employment without regard to their sex, race, color, marital status, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or age. SKCAC Employment Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving people with disabilities in employment and community inclusion.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $26.50 - $27.83 per hour

    Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: In person
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    What does an Employment Specialist do?

    Employment Specialists are often hired by nonprofits, educational institutions and community service organizations to help underrepresented people find work. They use their empathy, organizational and communication skills and knowledge of mental health and social work to connect job seekers with employment opportunities.  

    These professionals get to know clients’ aspirations and strengths to help them feel more confident and comfortable as they seek a new career. In many cases, they help job seekers gain the necessary training or knowledge to enter their chosen roles. Exceptional communication skills allow them to contact prospective employers on clients’ behalf, as well as support and guide the job seeker as they seek work and maintain employment.  

    Employment Specialist skills and qualifications

    There are a number of diverse skills and competencies that are usually required from someone working as an Employment Specialist, such as:

    • Knowledge of working with underrepresented groups, including people with developmental disorders, mental health issues or substance use disorders

    • Exceptional people skills and the ability to build strong relationships with individuals from any background

    • Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team

    • Confidence and assertiveness that allows them to make contact with employers who might never have heard of such a program

    • An understanding of how health can impact a person  

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills they can customize depending on audience

    • Good time management

    • Problem-solving skills

    Employment Specialist experience requirements

    Experience working with people from underrepresented backgrounds in a paid or voluntary capacity can be an advantage for prospective Employment Specialists. That experience could also come from caring for someone with developmental or mental health issues in their personal life. Applicants with experience working for people-centered nonprofit or government organizations would also be well-suited to this career.

    Employment Specialist education and training requirements

    Education equivalent to an undergraduate degree in health care, social work or mental health care is preferable. However, higher education isn’t essential for all Employment Specialist roles. Certifications from bodies such as The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center or The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services would place an applicant at an advantage.

    Employment Specialist salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, Employment Specialist careers pay $44,935 per year, on average. However, this figure can vary depending on location and the specific role, as well as the applicant’s background.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this description isn’t quite what you were looking for, take a look at other related job descriptions:

    Employment Specialist job description FAQs

    What challenges might Employment Specialists face?

    Employment Specialists’ primary skill set should be around empathizing and communicating with people. Some clients may have challenges with communication or self-expression, and these professionals should have the ability to maintain a warm and compassionate demeanor. Likewise, some employers might have outdated views and not be open to collaboration, and the Employment Specialist would need to stay calm and professional when dealing with that.

    Do Employment Specialists always work for nonprofits?

    In some cases, an Employment Specialist might work for an HR department in a school or private company. In these instances, the role would be similar to that of someone working in recruitment or talent acquisition. However, the job title Employment Specialist usually refers to individuals who help people from underserved groups find employment, and this would usually be for a nonprofit.  

    Are there development opportunities for Employment Specialists?

    Yes, there are. Employment Specialists can get promoted to the position of Senior Employment Specialist or team leader overseeing a group of Employment Specialists. In these roles, they coordinate schedules, assign duties and provide supervision and training to their team. Someone in this role might also go on to seek a career in the fields of social work or mental health.

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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