Employment Specialist

Location: Staunton, Virginia and surrounding communities

Pay: $21.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience

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, individualized job development, and workplace support, we help people build successful careers, increase independence, and participate fully in their communities.

Responsibilities

• Employment Planning and Career Development
  • Learn each participant’s strengths, interests, skills, support needs, and career goals
  • Assist with individualized, person-centered employment planning
  • Help identify barriers to employment and appropriate resources and supports
  • Assist participants with resumes, job applications, and interview preparation
  • 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 using online job boards, employer outreach, hiring events, networking, and community resources
  • Identify employment opportunities that match participants’ interests, abilities, experience, and goals
  • Assist with applications, interviews, hiring activities, and onboarding
  • Build positive relationships with local employers and promote inclusive hiring
  • Support participants with identifying and requesting reasonable workplace accommodations when appropriate
• Job Coaching and Employment Retention
  • Provide individualized job coaching at employer worksites and other community locations
  • 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 gradually adjust supports as participants develop skills and confidence
  • Provide ongoing follow-along services to promote successful long-term employment
• Documentation and Service Coordination
  • Complete accurate and timely progress notes and service documentation
  • Maintain records in accordance with funding-source and organizational requirements
  • Track employment outcomes, including placements, wages, scheduled hours, and retention
  • Communicate with participants, families, support coordinators, employers, schools, and community partners as appropriate
  • Participate in team meetings, training, and service-planning activities

Requirements

• College students currently pursuing a degree in psychology, social work, human services, education, special education, counseling, rehabilitation, behavioral health, sociology, workforce development, or a related field are encouraged to apply
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required when an applicant has an appropriate combination of education, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform the position
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or others who experience barriers to employment is preferred
• Strong communication, organization, coaching, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible community-based schedule
• Ability to complete documentation accurately and on time
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout Staunton and surrounding communities
• Ability to meet applicable background-check and employment requirements

Preferred Experience

• Supported Employment or Individual Supported Employment
• Job coaching or job development
• Disability services
• Direct support or behavioral health
• Special education or education
• Case management
• Workforce development
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Working with employers or community organizations
• Medicaid Waiver services
• ADA and reasonable workplace accommodations
• CESP, ACRE, DSP, or other employment-support training or certification

What We’re Looking For

• Compassionate, patient, and committed to helping people become more independent
• Comfortable working one-on-one with individuals with disabilities
• Comfortable meeting participants and employers throughout the community
• Able to motivate and coach others without doing tasks for them
• Dependable and organized
• Able to work independently with limited direct supervision
• Professional and confident when communicating with employers and community partners
• Flexible and able to adapt support to each participant’s individual needs and goals
• Interested in developing practical experience in disability services and employment support

Why Join RISE Services?

• Make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities
• Gain valuable hands-on experience in human services and disability employment
• Excellent opportunity for college students seeking meaningful part-time work related to their field of study
• Flexible, community-based work
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• Paid training and professional development
• 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.

Schedule

Part-time, primarily Monday–Friday. Some flexibility may be needed based on participant work schedules, interviews, employer needs, or onboarding activities.

Work Environment

This is a community-based position, not a fully remote or traditional office-based position. Services are provided at employer worksites and other community locations throughout Staunton and surrounding communities.