Employment Transition Specialist (Full-Time)

About the Role

This position plays a vital role in supporting students and young adults with disabilities as they build skills, independence, and meaningful connections to employment and their communities. As a key member of SOAR365's Employment Services team, the Employment/Transition Specialist coordinates and implements supported employment and transition services for individuals referred to the Supported Employment Team.

This role directly contributes to SOAR365's mission by helping participants explore career opportunities, develop workplace readiness skills, strengthen self-advocacy, and prepare for successful employment outcomes. Through coaching, training, community engagement, and work-based learning experiences, the Employment/Transition Specialist empowers students and young adults to gain confidence, discover their strengths, and achieve greater independence.

Who We Are: SOAR365

For more than 70 years, SOAR365 has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with disabilities. Our innovative programs and compassionate services are thoughtfully designed to meet real-world needs at every stage of life. Today, SOAR365 has a profound impact on more than 2,000 people and their families across the Greater Richmond area. Whether through employment, therapy, respite, or recreation, we're proud to help people of all abilities thrive.

We are also proud to be recognized as an Employer of Choice, offering competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to meaningful work.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

In this role, you will provide direct training, supervision, and support to students and young adults with disabilities participating in Customized and Supported Employment services. You will implement training activities designed to develop, maintain, and strengthen employment skills while assisting individuals in achieving their career goals.

Responsibilities include supporting the development and delivery of instructional programming for students ages 14-22 in areas such as career exploration and planning, independent living, self-advocacy, workplace readiness, and community involvement. The Employment/Transition Specialist will assist with career fairs, transition fairs, family workshops, and other transition-focused activities while collaborating with community agencies and transition stakeholders.

Additional responsibilities include providing job development, conducting task analyses, supporting work-based learning opportunities, delivering follow-along services, maintaining timely and accurate documentation, identifying program improvement opportunities, and providing transportation in agency vehicles when required. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be necessary to support program activities and participant needs.

Requirements & Qualifications

Qualified candidates will possess or be actively completing a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or Social Work. A minimum of three years of experience working with individuals with disabilities is required. Experience in Supported or Customized Employment is strongly preferred, and experience with job development and/or business-to-business sales is considered a plus.

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based practices in transition services, career development, vocational training, and school-to-career programming. Successful candidates will have the ability to implement individualized training plans, support individuals in achieving employment goals, collaborate with employers and community partners, and creatively address barriers to successful employment outcomes.

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Requirements

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public with a telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capabilities to effectively use and operate various items of office-related equipment, such as a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Significant standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling are required in the delivery of services and supports. Must be able to travel to the field (outside of the office) to deliver services.