Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist / Job Coach – Part-Time

Location: Harrisonburg and surrounding areas
Pay: $21.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience
Schedule: Part-time, primarily Monday–Friday
Work Setting: Community-based with regular local travel

Help People Build Careers—and Greater Independence

RISE Services is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated  Employment Specialist / Job Coach to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment.

In this community-based role, you will work directly with individuals at employer worksites and throughout the community. You will provide individualized career planning, job development, workplace-skills training, on-the-job coaching, and ongoing employment-retention support.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in supported employment, disability services, human services, education, behavioral health, workforce development, case management, or career coaching.

About RISE Services

RISE Services is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful, competitive integrated employment. Through person-centered planning, customized job development, and individualized workplace support, we help people build successful careers, increase independence, and participate fully in their communities.

What You’ll Do

Employment Planning and Career Development

• Assess each participant’s strengths, interests, skills, support needs, and career goals.

• Develop individualized, person-centered employment plans.

• Identify barriers to employment and connect participants with appropriate resources and supports.

• Help participants develop resumes, complete applications, and prepare for interviews.

• Conduct mock interviews and teach workplace communication, professional behavior, time management, and other employment-readiness skills.

Job Development and Placement

• Assist participants with job searches through online job boards, networking, employer outreach, hiring events, and community resources.

• Identify employment opportunities that match participants’ interests, abilities, experience, and goals.

• Coordinate job applications, interviews, hiring activities, and onboarding.

• Build relationships with local employers and educate businesses about inclusive hiring.

• Support participants in identifying and requesting reasonable workplace accommodations when appropriate.

Job Coaching and Employment Retention

• Provide individualized job coaching at employer worksites and in community settings.

• Help participants learn job duties, workplace routines, safety expectations, and employer policies.

• Support effective communication with supervisors and coworkers.

• Develop natural workplace supports and strategies that promote independence.

• Monitor progress and adjust supports as participants develop new skills.

• Provide ongoing follow-along services to promote long-term employment success and retention.

Documentation and Service Coordination

• Complete accurate and timely progress notes, service documentation, and required records.

• Maintain documentation in accordance with Medicaid, funding-source, and organizational requirements.

• Track employment outcomes, including job placements, wages, scheduled hours, and retention.

• Communicate regularly with participants, families, support coordinators, employers, schools, and other community partners.

• Participate in team meetings, training, and service-planning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, counseling, education, rehabilitation, workforce development, or a related field. A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or others who experience barriers to employment.

• Strong communication, coaching, organization, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage a flexible schedule, and meet documentation deadlines.

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned service area.

• Ability to meet applicable background-check and employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing Supported Employment, Individual Supported Employment (ISE), job coaching, or job-development services.

• Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver services or other disability employment programs.

• Understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act and reasonable workplace accommodations.

• Experience working with employers, support coordinators, vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools, or community partners.

• CESP, ACRE, DSP, or another employment-support certification.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Compassionate, patient, and committed to person-centered services.

• Comfortable meeting participants and employers throughout the community.

• Skilled at motivating others while promoting independence and self-advocacy.

• Dependable, organized, and able to manage multiple participants and deadlines.

• Professional and confident when communicating with employers and community partners.

• Flexible and able to adapt services to each participant’s individual needs and goals.

Why Join RISE Services?

• Make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

• Help people achieve greater independence through competitive employment.

• Enjoy flexible, community-based work.

• Receive mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel.

• Participate in paid training and professional development.

• Access opportunities for advancement within a growing organization.

• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Benefits

Part-time employees may be eligible for:

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Tenure Bonus Program

• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel

• Paid training and professional development

Eligible full-time employees may also receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Short-term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term care option

Benefit eligibility requirements apply.

Work Environment and Schedule

This is a  community-based position , not a fully remote or office-based role. Services are provided at employer worksites and other community locations throughout  Woodbridge, Fairfax, Springfield, Stafford, and surrounding areas .

The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility required based on participant schedules, employer needs, interviews, or onboarding activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RISE Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment and greater independence, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join the RISE Services team as a  Part-Time Employment Specialist / Job Coach .