Employment Specialist - Mainstay (temporary)

Seattle Central College is looking to hire an Employment Specialist (Full Time/temporary) in the Mainstay Department. 

Join a team that is making a difference in our community! Are you passionate about inclusion and looking for a way to make a difference? Come work for Mainstay at Seattle Central College, a leader in employment for people with disabilities! We are seeking a passionate, energetic professional who is committed to inclusion to join our team and help make employment a reality for all.

Mainstay is a department of Seattle Central College helping job seekers and students with disabilities to find success in the workplace through equal access and structured pathways. As our Seattle Colleges mission focuses on student success and inclusion, organizational excellence, and building partnerships, Mainstay aligns with these tenets through our advocacy for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

Salary Range for this position is $47,280 to $61,512 annually (depending on experience). 

Opportunity is open until filled; first review of materials will begin May 18^th, 2026.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Mainstay Director, the Employment Specialist (Program Specialist 2) will be responsible for providing in-person, on-site employment services, including job coaching, case management, and positive behavior supports to clients with disabilities, specializing in those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Employment Specialist works closely with the Mainstay Job Development Team to train the supported employee once they have the job and to provide follow-along support services to reach the client's employment goals.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation as well as all the benefits as a Washington State employee. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overview here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This position works 100% on site - not only at the Seattle Central College campus, but also, travels from multiple worksites daily within the Greater Seattle, North End, and Eastside areas, which does require personal transportation.

This is a temporary position expected to last approximately 18 months, with an anticipated end date of June 2027.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with union representation from the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation. 

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including: 

• Competitive Pay Rates 
• Promotional Opportunities 
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans 
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave 
• Transportation benefits 
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan 
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures

• Attached current résumé.
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job.

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online.

Notice to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What you will be working on:

• Implementing person-centered employment plans with clients, based on their individual skills, goals, abilities, and interests.
• Delivering job training and follow-along coaching as outlined in the individualized employment plan. Supporting clients with disabilities in their jobs with direct training, including one-to-one cues and prompts.
• Traveling via personal vehicle to various work sites, clients homes, and work-related appointments, primarily within King County.
• Helping clients understand and navigate our referral sources, primarily the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Community Supports (DDCS), and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) for client access to Mainstay services.
• Collaborating with Mainstay Employment Team members to provide quality services including new job orientation, training, and coaching to clients.
• Maintaining communication with all members of the Employment Team. Typically, this includes clients, employers, advocates, and referrals sources. Employment Specialist often becomes the primary point of contact for the employment team.
• Troubleshooting problems that arise at job sites and help with problem resolution to maintain positive working relationships.
• Tracking clients daily service hours, writing timely progress notes, documenting client progress, and maintaining accurate client files in our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Assistance in writing various reports such as work assessment, job exploration, placement, critical incident reports, and retention according to funding contracts and national accreditation requirements.
• Completing all external and internal contract training and policy requirements.
• Representing Mainstay and Seattle Colleges in community forums, job fairs, and industry events.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate:

• High School Diploma or equivalent AND two or more years full-time work experience with individuals who have disabilities, OR any combination of relevant education, training, and experience indicating successful performance of the essential functions of the position.
• Work independently of direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate clearly, solve problems, and demonstrate excellent writing skills.
• Demonstrate experience collaborating with co-workers and others.
• Demonstrate experience working on behalf of individuals from differing cultures, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Understanding and use of technology and a variety of software applications to maintain required information and data.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, when needed.
• Per Mainstay contract accreditation standards all employees are required to obtain certification in the following: CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, Emergency Preparedness, and Positive Behavioral Support. Additionally, Mainstay requires various training from referral sources, such as King County DDCS, DVR, and SPS.
• Per Mainstay state contracts, all employees must successfully pass multiple Washington State Background Checks annually.
• Access to personal vehicle and valid driver's license with clean driver's record and auto insurance.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation:

People with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Physical Requirements:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants: 

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials.
• Ability to exchange information with supervisors, leads, co-workers, clients, and students.
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion.
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings. 
• Work is conducted at various job sites which may require physical ability to perform work which includes but is not limited to the ability to lift at least 30 pounds, and to walk, bend, twist, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, reach, grasp, push and pull on a regular to continuous basis.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified people with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyber bullying."

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.

Background Check Statement 

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.