Vocational Counselor

Employment Specialist

Location(s): Danbury, Norwalk, & Waterbury

Hours: M-F 8:30A-4:30P Flex (Full Time)   

Salary: $45,000 / year   

Travel Requirements: 75 miles weekly (gas mileage reimbursement)    

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Do you have a background in psychology, human services, or a related field? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you as an Employment Specialist!

We’re excited to invite applications for this impactful role across our Danbury, Norwalk, and Waterbury teams. As an Employment Specialist, you will work closely with individuals with mental health and recovery needs, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities, helping them secure and maintain meaningful employment. This role is perfect for recent college graduates, those studying psychology or human services, career changers, and individuals with a background in sales.

Interested in interviewing? Join our Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, September 17th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Zoom. Drop in anytime via this link.  

Responsibilities:

• Vocational Support: Use different individualized placement models to assist individuals referred through various support and funding programs.
• Career Development: Help individuals find competitive, integrated employment, and provide job coaching and supplemental training.
• Job Coaching: Offer ongoing support to individuals, including goal setting, resume writing, interview skill building, and soft skills development.
• Networking and Job Development: Identify job opportunities, develop soft skills, and network with businesses to create job placements.
• Documentation and Follow-Up: Complete required documentation accurately and conduct follow-up visits to ensure job placement success.

Why This Role Is Perfect For You:

• Psychology and Human Services Background: Apply your knowledge in psychology and human services to make a tangible impact.
• Career Change Opportunity: Ideal for those looking to transition from education, sales, or other fields into a rewarding human services career.
• Non-Office Based: Enjoy the flexibility of a role that takes you out of the traditional office environment and into the community.
• Exciting and Rewarding Work: Experience the satisfaction of helping individuals achieve their employment goals and improve their lives.

Benefits:    

• Extensive paid training and certification program
• Generous benefits package (medical, dental, vision, pet insurance)
• Paid time off (increases over years of service)
• Self-directed retirement plan options (403B)
• PSLF loan forgiveness eligibility
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program including mental health resources
• Ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging initiatives

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Lived experience in mental health recovery is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and networking skills.

If you’re driven by a passion for psychology, human services, and making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to become an Employment Specialist and start making a difference in the lives of those we serve!

To see the day in the life of an Employment Specialist at Ability Beyond, click the link here:    

Career Development - Life of An Employment Specialist (youtube.com)