Careers

General Summary: 

The Employment Specialist II for the Institute of Community Inclusion (ICI) Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) will provide services necessary to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment in the community in integrated settings. The incumbent will work with individuals who have barriers to employment to identify job interests; and will evaluate and assess work skills and needed workplace supports, based upon individual preferences, skills and job duties. The Employment Specialist II will develop relationships with employers in order to identify jobs and to support the successful transition of job seekers into employment; will provide on-going supports as needed to facilitate employment retentions; and will provide case management and service coordination, as needed to facilitate access to and the coordination of services necessary for successful employment outcomes. The Employment Specialist II will assist the Program Manager in the area of program coordination and improvement, carrying out targeted initiatives and projects; will provide supervision to student peer coaches and job coaches.

Examples of Duties: 

• Provide supervision and oversight of program job coaches and/or student interns, including managing the weekly schedule, facilitating meetings for supervision;
• Develop and expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities receiving employment services through the Institute’s MAICEI program, using a wide range of resources and contacts; develop relationships with employers in order to identify job opportunities; utilize job carving and job creation strategies, as needed;
• Assist employers in understanding options for job accommodations and supports and strategies to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their workforce;
• Utilize all resources available to network and build relationships with businesses, including social media, targeted outreach and participation in events at community organizations such as local chamber of commerce and civic organizations;
• Facilitate the successful transition of job seekers into permanent employment through direct job support, as well as the development of natural supports in the work place; utilize information about learning style, emotional and behavioral issues, health status and other relevant issues to develop and implement service delivery strategies that reflect the needs and preference of each program participant;
• Provide on-going support to program participants, including vocational counseling, skill training, job training and travel training in accordance with the individuals’ needs; work with participants to develop resumes and portfolios when needed;
• Provide case management and service coordination to facilitate access to and coordination of services necessary for successful employment outcomes; develop and maintain relationships with a range of state and community agencies, as well as family members and other support providers; coordinate and facilitate team meetings;
• Provide leadership within the MAICEI program, demonstrating best practices, serve as a mentor to students; represent programs on selected committees, as needed; assist program staff in areas related to program improvement and coordination;
• Attend and present at resource fairs and conferences, developing materials as needed and customizing presentations to the needs of the audience;
• Collect data and maintain records as required by the program for administration and evaluation; maintain records regarding employment history, progress, accommodations, self-management strategies, and learning styles including case notes and time logs;
• Attend DDS Human Rights training;
• Participate in Institute committees and activities in consultation with supervisor;
• Stay informed of issues related to employment and the supports and services available for individuals with disabilities and individuals from diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds as it pertains to position responsibilities;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of three-five (3-5) years of experience providing employment services to individuals with disabilities required. Ability to travel throughout greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts required. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate the work schedules of program participants, including occasional evenings and weekends, required. Experience in job development is required. Experience working with persons with disabilities is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft office, as well as other administrative software programs;

• Knowledge of and ability to navigate and utilize the internet and social media;
• Ability to effective supervise program staff;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and unexpected changes in work schedule;
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Ability to bend, reach and lift up to 30 lbs., in order to provide hands-on training to program participants;
• Ability to work with a diverse population;
• Ability to work with confidential information;
• Strong data management skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade: 29            

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of Sep 21, 2025, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs. Is this grant funded?

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.