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.
Find Employment Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 52+ Employment Specialist jobs
Employment Training Specialist
Schedule: Full-time and part-time positions available
Wage: $17.50 - $18.75
Location: Chenango County, NY
Benefits: Include medical, dental, vision, retirement, company-paid life and disability coverage, optional voluntary plans, and 33 days of PTO annually for eligible full-time employee
The Employment Training Specialist I is responsible for providing direct care through implementation of Staff Action Plans as well as supporting individuals to maximize their vocational and life skills within a Community-Based setting. Using a person-centered approach, the individual will have opportunities to learn and practice job skills that will prepare them for future community employment and for the skills needed to increase their overall level of independence.
The job duties of an Employment Training Specialist I include, but are not limited to:
- Provide supervision and all direct care necessary to maintain the individual's safety and comfort in the absence of family members.
- Partner with people supported to explore interests and employment goals; identify and assist with vocational opportunities; develop soft skills and practice work skills through a variety of volunteer/work assessment opportunities, work simulation experiences, and instructional activities.
- Network with community resources to build individualized vocational experiences.
- Transport or accompany people supported on trips to community outings, appointments, or recreation activities for training in mobility, community orientation, and awareness.
- Provide job readiness and soft skills training in group settings.
- Foster and promote positive vocational skills and habits.
- Assist people supported and/or families with, or if necessary, completing daily or routine domestic or personal care tasks.
- Foster and promote skills leading to independent living.
- Help develop Habilitation Plans and follow them for training and assistance
- Provide training and assist consumers in developing, maintaining, and/or improving desired individual goals, living skills, vocational skills, and personal needs, as assigned or required.
- High School Diploma/GED
- 2 years of experience working with the individuals with disabilities Or A combination of education and experience that in the opinion of the reviewing agency, exceeds the above standards of the program
- Possess a valid driver’s license acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
Employment Training Specialist
Schedule: Full-time and part-time positions available
Wage: $17.50 - $18.75
Location: Chenango County, NY
Benefits: Include medical, dental, vision, retirement, company-paid life and disability coverage, optional voluntary plans, and 33 days of PTO annually for eligible full-time employee
The Employment Training Specialist I is responsible for providing direct care through implementation of Staff Action Plans as well as supporting individuals to maximize their vocational and life skills within a Community-Based setting. Using a person-centered approach, the individual will have opportunities to learn and practice job skills that will prepare them for future community employment and for the skills needed to increase their overall level of independence.
The job duties of an Employment Training Specialist I include, but are not limited to:
- Provide supervision and all direct care necessary to maintain the individual's safety and comfort in the absence of family members.
- Partner with people supported to explore interests and employment goals; identify and assist with vocational opportunities; develop soft skills and practice work skills through a variety of volunteer/work assessment opportunities, work simulation experiences, and instructional activities.
- Network with community resources to build individualized vocational experiences.
- Transport or accompany people supported on trips to community outings, appointments, or recreation activities for training in mobility, community orientation, and awareness.
- Provide job readiness and soft skills training in group settings.
- Foster and promote positive vocational skills and habits.
- Assist people supported and/or families with, or if necessary, completing daily or routine domestic or personal care tasks.
- Foster and promote skills leading to independent living.
- Help develop Habilitation Plans and follow them for training and assistance
- Provide training and assist consumers in developing, maintaining, and/or improving desired individual goals, living skills, vocational skills, and personal needs, as assigned or required.
- High School Diploma/GED
- 2 years of experience working with the individuals with disabilities Or A combination of education and experience that in the opinion of the reviewing agency, exceeds the above standards of the program
- Possess a valid driver’s license acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
See All 52 Employment Specialist Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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 Springbrook NY, Access: Supports For Living, and The Arc, Oneida – Lewis Chapter and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Bronx, Syracuse, and Utica 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 43% of employment specialist openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of August 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 52 Employment Specialist Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Employment Specialist Jobs