Supported Employment Advocate/Specialist

We are urgently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Employment Advocate/Specialist to join our team at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.. As an Employment Advocate/Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with life skills and seeking employment by providing guidance, support, and resources to help them achieve their goals.

Status: Part Time Hourly

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of the Position: The Supported Employment Advocate/Specialist works directly with youth participating in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) program in New Hampshire to support their successful transition into the workforce. This role focuses on guiding participants through all phases of the employment process, including career exploration, resume development, life skills training, job readiness, work-based learning experiences, and placement into competitive employment. The Employment Specialist serves as a mentor, advocate, and connector between youth, employers, schools, families, and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individualized employment support to youth enrolled in Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) services.
• Assist participants with resume development, cover letters, applications, and interview preparation.
• Teach and reinforce essential life and workplace readiness skills, including communication, professionalism, time management, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.
• Support youth in exploring career interests, identifying employment goals, and navigating viable employment options aligned with their strengths and abilities.
• Develop relationships with local employers to identify potential job sites, internships, and work-based learning opportunities.
• Coordinate and facilitate job shadowing experiences and worksite visits to expose youth to real-world employment environments.
• Collaborate with OVR counselors, schools, families, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, progress notes, and required reports in compliance with OVR and agency standards.
• Advocate for participants' needs while promoting independence, confidence, and long-term employment success.
• Ensure all services are delivered in a strengths-based, youth-centered, and trauma-informed manner.

Skills and Competencies

• Coaching and mentoring
• Career development and job readiness training
• Relationship building with employers and community partners
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Documentation and time management
• Cultural humility and youth engagement

Work Environment

This position is community-based and may involve travel to schools, employment sites, job shadow locations, and community partners. Some evening or flexible hours may be required based on youth and employer availability.

Hourly Pay Rate: $20.00

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, or a related field or
• Bachelor's Degree in any other major with one year of paid experience or
• Associates Degree or 60 completed college credits in a related field with three years of paid experience working with young adults and/or adults and/or
• High School Diploma or GED and experience paid or volunteer, working with young adults and/or adults.
• At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Experience in community work and strong knowledge of community resources and community partners
• Experience working with at-risk youth a plus.
• Proficiency in computer skills; experience using an electronic health record (EHR) is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage. (must be able to provide an Auto Declaration document)
• Bilingual (Spanish Speaking) is a plus.

Benefits Available:

• Voluntary Dental
• Voluntary Vision
• UNUM Supplemental Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Direct Deposit
• Weekly pay
• Flexible Schedule

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.