Employment Specialist

About Arc of Greater New Orleans

A group of concerned parents joined forces in 1953 to provide better lives for their children who, because of developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, were not able to participate in everyday society. At the time, little was known about intellectual disabilities. It was very common for doctors to counsel parents to place their children in institutions for most of their lives.

Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, groups around the country organized and implemented action plans at the local level to give their children fuller lives in the community.

Our independent local 501(c)(3) nonprofit is known as Arc of Greater New Orleans. We currently serve over 500 children and adults in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and St. Tammany parishes.

Are you looking for a career that makes a difference in your local community? Join us at the Arc of Greater New Orleans! We are actively hiring an Employment Specialist to work with our Supported Employment team.

The Employment Specialist supports individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment in obtaining, maintaining, and succeeding in competitive, integrated jobs. This role provides job development, placement, case management, and on-the-job coaching, while building employer partnerships and promoting long-term employment stability and independence.

• Develop relationships with employers, analyze job opportunities, and secure appropriate placements
• Conduct intake, assessments, and create individualized employment and coaching plans
• Provide one-on-one job coaching at worksites, including task training, workplace etiquette, communication, and problem-solving
• Support participants in understanding job expectations, schedules, pay, and workplace culture
• Assist with conflict resolution and workplace adjustment
• Advocate for participants while promoting self-advocacy and independence
• Track progress, manage caseloads, and document services in compliance with program requirements
• Coordinate with vocational rehabilitation agencies, support coordinators, and community partners

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree preferred
• Experience in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, or human services
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work in community and workplace settings
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description shall not constitute or be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between the Arc of Greater New Orleans and any of its employees.

The Arc of Greater New Orleans is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability-protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in the search process should notify the Human Resources department.

The pay range for this role is:
15 – 18 USD per hour (Fontana)