Employment Specialist & Pre-ETS Coach

Overview RISE Services is a mission-driven organization with deep expertise in helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment. We provide person-centered services that help individuals build skills, explore career pathways, access opportunities, and achieve meaningful outcomes in work and community life. Position Summary RISE Services is seeking a compassionate, motivated Employment Specialist / Pre-ETS Coach to support individuals with disabilities, including students ages 14–21 with IEPs or 504 Plans, as they prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. This role provides both adult employment services and Pre-Employment Transition Services, including career exploration, job readiness training, work-based learning support, job development, job coaching, and retention services. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, student- and participant-centered, organized, and committed to helping individuals achieve long-term employment success through customized, person-centered supports. Responsibilities Assessment, Career Exploration, and Planning Conduct intake assessments to identify skills, interests, support needs, career goals, and barriers to employment Develop individualized employment or service plans in collaboration with participants, students, families, support teams, schools, and vocational rehabilitation counselors Support students and participants in exploring career interests, strengths, post-secondary options, training opportunities, and employment goals Coordinate resources and strategies to address barriers to employment and workplace success Job Readiness and Skill Development Provide coaching in resume development, interviewing, workplace communication, professionalism, self-advocacy, independence, and positive work behaviors Conduct mock interviews, role-play activities, and individualized career-readiness activities Support participants and students in understanding employer expectations, workplace culture, accommodations, and professional conduct Assist students with employment preparation tasks such as work permits, job readiness steps, and work experience planning Job Development, Work Experiences, and Placement Assist with job search strategies, applications, networking, online platforms, and community connections Identify competitive employment opportunities and short-term work-based learning or trial work experiences aligned with individual goals and strengths Coordinate interviews, application follow-up, employer communication, and placement support Advocate appropriately for participants and support accommodation discussions when needed On-the-Job Support and Retention Provide job coaching and on-site or off-site support to promote successful onboarding, skill acquisition, and workplace independence Help individuals learn job tasks, adapt to routines, and build positive relationships with supervisors and coworkers Monitor job satisfaction, performance, hours worked, retention, and skill development Intervene early to address challenges and prevent job loss Collaboration and Community Engagement Communicate and collaborate with DARS, DORS, school staff, families, employers, community partners, and internal team members Build and maintain employer and community relationships to expand employment and work-based learning opportunities Participate in job fairs, hiring events, school/community meetings, networking activities, supervision, and quality assurance activities Documentation and Compliance Maintain accurate, timely documentation, including progress notes, service records, outcome tracking, and required reports Document measurable outcomes such as placements, work experiences, hours worked, retention, skill gains, and service activities Ensure documentation complies with RISE Services policies, vocational rehabilitation requirements, and program/funding expectations Professional Development Maintain knowledge of supported employment, Pre-ETS, transition services, disability rights, accommodations, vocational rehabilitation, and employment best practices Participate in required training and professional development to strengthen employment support, job coaching, and transition service competencies Qualifications Required Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, youth or young adults with disabilities, or individuals facing barriers to employment Knowledge of employment services, transition services, career development, education, workforce preparation, or job readiness supports Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and organizational skills Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and function effectively in community-based settings Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to service locations Preferred Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education, human services, social work, psychology, counseling, rehabilitation, or a related field Experience with supported employment, Pre-ETS, school-to-work services, vocational rehabilitation, or job coaching Familiarity with DARS in Virginia and/or DORS in Maryland Knowledge of accommodations, disability rights laws, vocational rehabilitation services, and local labor market trends Work Environment Services are delivered in schools, community locations, employer worksites, and other approved settings. Schedule may vary based on student, participant, employer, and program needs. Benefits for Full-Time Employees Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance* PTO accrual and Holiday accrual* Short-Term Disability* Life Insurance and Long-Term Care Option* Employee Assistance Program, also available to part-time employees Employee Tenure Bonuses, also available to part-time employees Mileage Reimbursement *Eligibility requirements may apply. Equal Opportunity Employer RISE Services is an equal opportunity employer #J-18808-Ljbffr