Employer Engagement Specialist

Employer Engagement Specialist

As an Employer Engagement Specialist focused on autism employment, you will lead efforts to build inclusive workplaces by assisting employers in hiring, onboarding, and retaining job seekers on the autism spectrum. You will develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies that promote neurodiversity in the workplace and connect employers with job-ready autistic talent. You will act as a primary liaison between employers and service providers, delivering tailored support and practical tools that help businesses foster inclusive hiring practices. This includes assessing employer needs, coordinating targeted outreach and education, and providing ongoing consultation and follow-up. You will also collaborate with community organizations, industry partners, and government agencies to promote inclusive hiring practices across Nova Scotia. You'll represent the organization through strategic partnerships and actively participate in committees and networks that support neurodiverse employment.

Employment Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or diploma in a related field, and/or equivalent experience and training.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Successful criminal record check.
• Knowledge of autism and neurodiversity, inclusive hiring practices, and career development.
• Availability to work evenings and/or weekends on occasion.
• Comfort working with people from diverse cultural and neurodivergent backgrounds.

Required Competencies

• Inclusion & Accessibility
• Employer Engagement & Relationship Building
• Career Development Services
• Project Management
• Results Driven
• Consultation & Partnership Development
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Communication & Active Listening
• Problem Solving & Innovation
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Continuous Learning & Adaptability

Skills Requirements

General Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build rapport with diverse employers and job seekers with autism.
• Solid understanding of autism, neurodiversity, and the principles of inclusive employment.
• Familiarity with programs, services, and resources available to employers and job seekers with autism.
• Strong knowledge of community organizations and support networks.

Employer Engagement & Marketing

• Ability to promote inclusive hiring practices and articulate the business case for neurodiversity in the workforce.
• Experience working with employers to understand hiring needs and provide customized solutions that related to successful workforce outcomes for job seekers with autism.
• Capable of developing and delivering presentations and workshops on inclusive hiring, accommodations, onboarding strategies, and autism awareness.
• Knowledge of local and regional labour market trends, especially related to disability employment.
• Proven ability to develop marketing materials and facilitate outreach activities, including employer sessions and career fairs.

Essential Skills

• Working with others, oral and written communication, technology use, job task planning and organization, critical thinking, problem solving, reading and interpreting documents, continuous learning.

Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience working with employers and/or job seekers, preferably with experience in disability or autism-related employment services or diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Business Equipment and Computer Applications

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to use case management and data tracking systems (e.g., ARMS or similar platforms).

Key Responsibilities

• Build relationships with employers to support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of job seekers on the autism spectrum.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase employer awareness and participation in autism-inclusive hiring.
• Deliver customized consultations and support services to employers, including assistance with accommodations, onboarding, and workplace integration.
• Collaborate with employment support teams to align job seeker profiles with employer needs.
• Develop and lead employer training sessions and workshops focused on neurodiversity in the workplace.
• Maintain accurate case notes and track engagement outcomes using a case management system.
• Actively participate in workforce development committees, sector councils, and professional networks.
• Represent the organization at employer engagement events, job fairs, and community forums.
• Assist in developing promotional materials and resources that highlight inclusive employment success stories.
• Facilitate employer information sessions and help coordinate hiring events.
• Keep up to date with current practices in autism employment support and participate in relevant professional development activities.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.