Job Developer

Organization: The Nicholas Center, Ltd.

Location: Pleasantville, NY (On-site / In the field)

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM (Flexibility up to 5:00 PM as needed based on programmatic needs)

About Us

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 to Westchester in 2020. Join our growing team on-site in Pleasantville, NY!

Position Overview

The Lead Employment Specialist / Job Developer plays a key role in connecting Autistic adults with meaningful community employment. In this mid-level role, you will lead direct service delivery under Supported Employment (SEMP) and Pathways to Employment (PTE), balancing hands-on workplace coaching with active job development and employer outreach.

You will take ownership of the discovery and assessment process, identify participant strengths and ideal work conditions, and proactively build relationships with local businesses to cultivate new job and internship opportunities. Additionally, you will guide participants on-site to build workplace independence through structured coaching and support fading strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Job Development & Employer Outreach

• Proactively identify, target, and cultivate new employment and internship opportunities with local employers and community partners.
• Attend networking events and engage in community outreach to expand the agency's hiring network.
• Educate and partner with local businesses to foster inclusive work environments and assist with implementing workplace accommodations.
• Serve as a professional representative of The Nicholas Center in the business community.

Participant Support & Job Coaching

• Provide individualized, on-site job coaching for participants in community work settings, supporting skill acquisition, task completion, and workplace integration.
• Implement structured support plans and gradual fading strategies to promote participant independence.
• Monitor job stability and performance, proactively addressing workplace challenges.

Assessment, Coordination & Compliance

• Lead comprehensive discovery and vocational assessment processes in accordance with NYS OPWDD guidelines to drive successful job matches.
• Translate assessment data and participant preferences into actionable career goals and structured employment plans.
• Complete all required service documentation accurately, thoroughly, and within required OPWDD and agency timelines.
• Participate actively in weekly SEMP team meetings, case reviews, and collaborative planning.
• Transport participants in your personal vehicle as needed, complying with agency safe-driving policies (time spent transporting and mileage are reimbursed).

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Experience: Prior direct experience in Supported Employment (SEMP), Pathways to Employment (PTE), or vocational rehabilitation services (OPWDD background strongly preferred).

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to build business relationships and generate community employment leads.
• Strong working knowledge of OPWDD discovery, assessment, and documentation standards.
• Demonstrated skill in coaching, task analysis, and problem-solving with neurodivergent adults.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field while managing multiple participant caseloads.

Vehicle & Driving Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and compliant auto liability insurance required for participant transport.
• Compliance with TNC safe-driving policies.

The Nicholas CenterJob DeveloperThe Nicholas CenterJob Developer

The Nicholas Center (TNC) was founded in 2011 by 3 Co-Founders – Stella L. Spanakos, Nicole Ferrara and Patrick Bardsley. Collectively, with over 30 years of experience in Autism education and nonprofit endeavors, the trio were eager to develop solutions to address the challenge of offering programming and jobs for the tsunami of Autistic individuals once school finishes. Considering the lack of meaningful opportunities for young adults after graduation, the vision became to create a community-propelled program model to serve as an alternative to traditional \day habilitation\ – a person-centered and community-fueled program.

With the untimely passing of Stella's husband, Paul Kitsos, conversations turned to action and the idea began to take shape for \The Nicholas Center for Autism\ and a social enterprise called \Spectrum Designs. Stella purchased a second hand DTG (direct-to-garment) printing machine for her son Nicholas and his classmates, all on the Autism Spectrum, to test out. Using easy-to-follow steps in Stella’s backyard barn, they were soon printing t-shirts! With a bit of divine inspiration, the trio decided to give the idea a try and The Nicholas Center & Spectrum Designs Foundation were born.
Today, The Nicholas Center offers 12 months of continuous service per year in 2 NY State locations (having expanded to Westchester in 2021). As a person-centered program focused on using the community “as university,” TNC partners with over 35 non-profits offering meaningful community projects and offers a Supported Employment Program (SEMP), supporting participants at internships and paid jobs. Additionally, TNC provides a safe space for individuals to foster peer connections.

Pay: $23.00 / hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Referral program
• Mileage reimbursement

Job Type: fulltime

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education: High school degree

Work location: On-site

Pleasantville. 175 Tompkins Ave, Pleasantville, NY, 10570