Employment Specialist

Full job description

Part-Time Employment Specialist (30+ hours contractor)

REQUIRED-Previous experience as an Employment Specialist, Career Counselor, Workforce Development Specialist, Transition Specialist, Job Coach, Etc.

About The Grow Group

The Grow Group is a fast-growing, mission-driven nonprofit helping people with disabilities build meaningful careers and more independent lives. For more than 15 years, we've supported thousands of job seekers across Florida through job training, career development, job placement, and ongoing workplace success.

Our team is energetic, supportive, and passionate about helping people reach their full potential. If you're looking for meaningful work where you can make a real difference in your community, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Position

We're hiring a Part-Time Employment Specialist (Contractor) to serve individuals with disabilities throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.

This is a community-based position that requires regular in-person meetings with clients at workplaces, job sites, coffee shops, libraries, schools, and other community locations. You'll help individuals identify career goals, develop job skills, secure employment, and succeed in the workplace.

This position starts at approximately 30 hours per week.

What You'll Do

• Meet with job seekers in the community to provide individualized employment support
• Assist individuals with career exploration, job search activities, résumé development, interview preparation, and workplace communication
• Develop employment opportunities and build relationships with local employers
• Match job seekers with employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and career goals
• Provide on-site job coaching and training to help individuals learn job duties and achieve workplace success
• Monitor progress and support individuals in maintaining employment
• Communicate regularly with employers, family members, schools, referral partners, and other stakeholders
• Complete documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain compliance with Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation requirements and service standards
• Track employment outcomes and contribute to successful client employment placements

What We're Looking For

Someone who is:

• Passionate about helping people achieve their employment goals
• Positive, energetic, and encouraging
• Organized and able to manage a flexible schedule
• Comfortable working independently in the community
• Skilled at building relationships with employers and community partners
• Committed to helping individuals achieve greater independence and success

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

Option 1

• Four years of proven experience in a public vocational rehabilitation and/or workforce development setting working with individuals with disabilities, including responsibilities in job coaching and job placement for individuals with disabilities while fostering workforce skill development; ensuring active engagement, and advancing workforce outcomes through advocacy and tailored support plans that result in competitive integrated employment.

OR

Option 2

• Bachelor's Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, exceptional education, special education, human resources, business administration, economics, or a related field
• Plus two (2) years of relevant experience

OR

Option 3

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university, or a Bachelor's/Master's Degree in an unrelated field
• Plus three (3) years of relevant experience

OR

Option 4

• Master's Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, exceptional education, special education, human resources, business administration, economics, or a related field
• Plus one (1) year of relevant experience

Relevant Experience Includes

• Employment Services
• Supported Employment
• Job Placement
• Job Coaching
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Workforce Development
• Career Counseling
• Human Resources
• Staffing and Recruitment
• Transition Services
• Disability Services

Additional Requirements

• Minimum one year of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, workforce development participants, students, or job seekers
• Valid driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Clean driving record
• Ability to travel throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding areas
• Ability to pass a Level II background screening
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)
• Supported Employment training certificate
• Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation, APD, school districts, workforce agencies, or community rehabilitation providers
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or other disabilities

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Flexible, self-managed schedule
• Mileage stipend
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community
• Pathway to full-time employment and organizational advancement

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Experience:

• vocational rehabilitation and/or workforce development: 1 year (Required)