Employment Specialist Jobs in New York
Employment Specialist jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in workforce development agencies, state and city human services departments, and nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities. The heaviest hiring is in New York City, Buffalo, and Albany, where large employers such as ResCare Workforce Services, ACCES-VR, and the New York City Department of Social Services maintain ongoing needs. Case management, vocational rehabilitation, and benefits counseling are the most consistently sought specialties. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The Arc Erie County NY is a leading nonprofit supporting people with developmental & intellectual disabilities across Western New York, through innovative residential, educational, clinical and employment services. Proudly celebrating our 75th anniversary, we remain committed to empowering individuals and building inclusive communities.
As our Community Employment Specialist, you’ll help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their employment and life goals. In this rewarding role, you will serve as a mentor, coach, advocate, and role model while supporting individuals in exploring career opportunities, developing workplace skills, and achieving successful community employment outcomes.
- Will work to provide all aspects of employment services including job readiness, job development, job coaching and job retention services
- Develop career exploration opportunities, job shadows, work-based learning experiences, paid or unpaid internships, and pre-post-employment service planning Lead farm activities and provide hands on training for program participants
- Works with individuals on defined vocational goals and objectives, and assess progress monthly, or more frequently as directed by individual’s Community Employment Manager, progress to be documented in progress notes, signed, titled and dated
- Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Business Administration or a closely related field PLUS one year of full-time paid direct service experience with people with developmental disabilities. Prior vocational or pre-vocational experience preferred.
- High school or equivalent diploma PLUS three years full-time paid direct service experience with people with developmental disabilities. Prior vocational or pre-vocational experience preferred.
- A valid New York State Driver’s License, approved driving record and reliable transportation. Will be required to travel to worksites throughout the WNY area.
- Must be flexible in schedule to accommodate a variety of work placements.
The Arc Erie County NY is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Job Details
The Arc Erie County NY is a leading nonprofit supporting people with developmental & intellectual disabilities across Western New York, through innovative residential, educational, clinical and employment services. Proudly celebrating our 75th anniversary, we remain committed to empowering individuals and building inclusive communities.
As our Community Employment Specialist, you’ll help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their employment and life goals. In this rewarding role, you will serve as a mentor, coach, advocate, and role model while supporting individuals in exploring career opportunities, developing workplace skills, and achieving successful community employment outcomes.
- Will work to provide all aspects of employment services including job readiness, job development, job coaching and job retention services
- Develop career exploration opportunities, job shadows, work-based learning experiences, paid or unpaid internships, and pre-post-employment service planning Lead farm activities and provide hands on training for program participants
- Works with individuals on defined vocational goals and objectives, and assess progress monthly, or more frequently as directed by individual’s Community Employment Manager, progress to be documented in progress notes, signed, titled and dated
- Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Business Administration or a closely related field PLUS one year of full-time paid direct service experience with people with developmental disabilities. Prior vocational or pre-vocational experience preferred.
- High school or equivalent diploma PLUS three years full-time paid direct service experience with people with developmental disabilities. Prior vocational or pre-vocational experience preferred.
- A valid New York State Driver’s License, approved driving record and reliable transportation. Will be required to travel to worksites throughout the WNY area.
- Must be flexible in schedule to accommodate a variety of work placements.
The Arc Erie County NY is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Job Details
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Find Employment Specialist JobsEmployment Specialist Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Employment Specialist Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in employment specialist jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, counseling, or a related field required
- Experience with New York State workforce development programs such as WIOA strongly preferred
- Familiarity with New York's One-Stop Career Center system and partner agency protocols expected
- Knowledge of public benefit programs administered through New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance
- Case management experience working with diverse or underserved populations in an urban or suburban setting
- Proficiency in database systems such as WMS or OSOS used by New York State agencies
Employment Specialist Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a employment specialist in New York?
Most employment specialist positions in New York require at minimum a bachelor's degree in social work, human services, rehabilitation counseling, or a closely related field. New York does not mandate a single statewide license for the title, but roles in vocational rehabilitation typically require or strongly prefer a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential. Positions with ACCES-VR and other state-funded agencies often have additional civil service exam requirements through the New York State Department of Civil Service.
Which companies hire employment specialists in New York?
New York employment specialist roles are posted by Community Options, Bowery Residents Committee (BRC), and HeartShare and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New York's large network of workforce investment boards, nonprofit social service agencies, and state-funded vocational rehabilitation programs creates consistent demand across the state.
Which New York cities have the most employment specialist jobs?
New York, Bronx, and Brooklyn have the most employment specialist openings in New York. New York City dominates because of its scale and the density of government agencies, workforce development nonprofits, and community-based organizations headquartered there, while Buffalo and Albany draw demand from regional state offices, university-affiliated programs, and county human services departments.
Are there remote employment specialist jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since employment specialists often meet clients in person at career centers, community sites, or partner offices. About 40% of employment specialist openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. Case coordination, intake assessment, and administrative functions are the parts of the role most frequently performed remotely when employers do allow it.
How can I get hired as a employment specialist in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an AmeriCorps placement or a paraprofessional role such as job coach, employment counselor aide, or case management assistant at a New York workforce agency. Large New York City Human Resources Administration programs and regional WIOA-funded One-Stop Career Centers regularly hire entry-level staff and provide structured on-the-job training. A completed internship with a New York-based nonprofit or state agency, combined with a Certified Workforce Development Professional credential, gives candidates a meaningful edge over others without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to employment specialist jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to employment specialist jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 79 Employment Specialist Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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