Employment Job Coach/Transition Specialist

About the role

This role is integral to UMatter's mission as an approved Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program. The Job Coach provides personalized, student-focused support, fostering skill development, independence, self-determination, and long-term employment stability. They align with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities' expectations regarding career planning, employment outcomes, and post-program success.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job coaching to students participating in internships, paid work experiences, and community employment settings.
• Support students in developing workplace skills including task completion, communication, time management, professionalism, and problem-solving.
• Use evidence-based supported employment practices such as task analysis, systematic instruction, fading of supports, and natural supports to promote independence.
• Collaborate with campus and community employers to support onboarding, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive workplace practices.
• Aid students with career planning and job search activities including resumes, applications, interviews, and job retention strategies.
• Assist students as they transition from UMatter to community-based employment including time-limited follow-along supports after program completion when appropriate.
• Reinforce self-determination and self-advocacy skills related to employment, transportation, and workplace decision-making.
• Participate in person-centered planning and ensure employment supports align with students' individualized goals.
• Support employment-related transportation skills consistent with independent living and transition goals.
• Maintain documentation related to student progress, employment supports, and outcomes consistent with FPCTP and FCSUA reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with UMatter staff, faculty, peer mentors, families, when appropriate, and adult service partners such as Vocational Rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in special education, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, social work services, or a related field.
• Licensed Occupational Therapist or eligibility for licensure may be used in lieu of a degree in special education or related human services fields.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in employment, education, transition, or community-based settings.
• Knowledge of supported employment job coaching and transition practices including skill development for work, daily living, and self-sufficiency.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across campus and community job sites.
• Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree (Senate Bill 1310).
• Preferred qualifications include experience with inclusive postsecondary education or transition-age students, familiarity with Florida FPCTP and FCSUA programs, Vocational Rehabilitation or workforce systems, training or certification related to supported, customized, or evidence-based employment practices.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion.

Pay

Salary range: [Insert salary range here, if provided]

Schedule

Combination of daytime, evening, or occasional weekend hours based on student work schedules.

Commitment to Inclusion

UMatter is committed to high expectations, dignity, and inclusive employment outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities. The Employment Job Coach/Transition Specialist plays a vital role in supporting equitable access to postsecondary education, career development, and meaningful community participation.

About Us

Working at USF With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged, and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental, and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.