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Ability Beyond

Nonprofit providing disability employment training

Employment Specialist

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$45k/yr
Entry
Bachelor's
Torrington, CT, USA+3 moreMore locations: Waterbury, CT, USA | Danbury, CT, USA | New Haven, CT, USA
In PersonMultiple openings in Greater New Haven, Waterbury/Torrington, or Greater Danbury areas; schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00–4:00 or 8:30–4:30.
Social & Community ServicesCase Management & Advocacy

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in psychology, human services, or a related field, or relevant experience.
  • A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
  • Strong communication, advocacy, and networking skills.
Responsibilities
  • Support individuals in building work readiness, job skills, and self-esteem through person-centered on-the-job coaching and individualized placement.
  • Provide guidance in goal setting, resume building, interview preparation, and developing soft skills that promote emotional well-being and workplace success.
  • Partner with employers and community organizations to create inclusive, recovery-friendly employment opportunities.
  • Offer consistent follow-up, encouragement, and advocacy to help individuals maintain employment and stability.
  • Identify job opportunities, develop soft skills, and network with different departments or companies.
  • Complete required documentation accurately and conduct follow-up visits to ensure success.

About the company

Ability Beyond helps adults with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities. It runs job training, placement, supported living, and enrichment programs in Connecticut and New York, and supports nationwide employment through Disability Solutions. It differentiates itself with a 60-year track record, a strong NY/CT regional footprint, and a national affiliate that extends its impact. Its goal is to give people with disabilities opportunities to work, live independently, and age with dignity.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Bethel, Connecticut

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • DMHAS grants will more than double Ability Beyond's recovery-employment caseload in 2026.
  • A May 2026 news update says the agency is expanding Community Companion Home services.
  • Fundraising remains strong: 2026 events and 2025 breakfasts raised more than $250,000 combined.

What critics are saying

  • A 2025 police investigation found an employee misused $20,000 of disabled clients' funds.
  • The case damages trust with families, regulators, and state payors overseeing vulnerable adults.
  • Any additional abuse allegation can trigger audits, contract reviews, and executive turnover within months.

What makes Ability Beyond unique

  • Ability Beyond runs Connecticut and New York disability, mental-health, and recovery employment programs.
  • Its Community Companion Home model opens private homes to people with disabilities.
  • Project SEARCH and Individual Placement services create employer-facing job pipelines across Connecticut.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Mental Health Support
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Hybrid Work Options

Company News

The Conway Bulletin
Aug 30th, 2025
Ability Beyond to Host Annual Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

Ability Beyond to host annual Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament.

Hearst Connecticut Media Group
Apr 30th, 2024
New Milford nonprofit employee misused $20K in disabled clients' funds, police say

The nonprofit, Ability Beyond, started an investigation after receiving reports that an employee was "misusing disabled clients' funds," according to police.

Patch Media
Apr 12th, 2024
Bethel Nonprofit Scores Huge State Grant

Ability Beyond Disability in Bethel has been awarded $386,000 for the removal and replacement of the roof atop the organization's HQ.

Patch Media
Nov 13th, 2023
Ridgefield Resident Among Those Honored For Mental Health Advocacy

Ability Beyond's Autumn Mental Health Breakfast raised nearly $100,000 for regional services.