Transition and Employment Specialist

Location:

Fort Smith, Van Buren, and surrounding areas.

Over 2 days ago, the first 25 applicants are invited to apply for this position.

The Transition and Employment Specialist works within Easterseals Arkansas pre‑employment and employment programs. The specialist is responsible for assessing and increasing strengths, interests, and abilities of the individuals we serve related to employment skills acquisition and job development. Duties include providing supported employment and related services—employment skills development, job development, on‑site coaching and progress monitoring—while exercising discretion and judgment. The role requires an outgoing, self‑driven, flexible, goal‑oriented, personable professional who builds positive relationships with students, school district staff, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and local employers.

• Utilize teaching methods, materials, and curriculum fidelity to meet individual needs.
• Assess learning strengths, development areas, and interests of each individual.
• With input and assessment results, develop goals and outcomes.
• Instruct individuals in employability skills: communication, technology, problem‑solving, critical thinking, teamwork, personal appearance, financial management, professionalism, self‑determination, self‑advocacy, resume writing, interview skills, and job search.
• Assist in developing portfolios that include certificates, letters of recommendation, and other documentation.
• Assess and monitor progress in classroom and workplace settings.
• Record daily attendance in class and at work sites.
• Educate and train employers on disability awareness, supervision strategies, and accommodation of individuals with disabilities.
• Maintain accurate files for all served individuals.
• Assist in recruitment, application review, and referral selection for the Easterseals Arkansas programs.
• Participate in program referral selections, including interviewing prospective referrals.
• Serve as liaison between individuals, parents/guardians, school districts, Easterseals Arkansas, and employers.
• Coordinate work experience and employment placements, provide job coaching, and support designated business personnel.
• Provide additional training (social skills, earning reporting, etc.) to ensure placement success.
• Respond to business liaison or supervisor inquiries within 24 hours or schedule visits when necessary.
• Coordinate job placement opportunities and necessary supports for individuals.
• Stay with individuals until the fading schedule at placement is implemented.
• Compile and submit documentation, reports, and billing as required by funding agencies.
• Maintain professional competence through participating in trainings and self‑study.
• Use professional development to identify and implement new instructional techniques.
• Remain current on best practices for integrating individuals with disabilities into competitive employment.
• Work independently and demonstrate leadership as the program grows (e.g., future job coach staff).

• Education:
  
  Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in special education or education (master’s degree preferred). Alternatively, a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Candidates without a degree may be considered if they have equivalent knowledge through work experience and advanced instruction.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of three years working with individuals with disabilities, including assessment, goal development, learning strategy development, and behavior management.
• Certification:
  Successful completion, receipt, and maintenance of the Job Coach Certification from Arkansas Rehabilitation Services during employment.
• Travel:
  Provide services in schools and employer sites throughout the region.
• Skills:
  
  Knowledge of disabilities and instructional adaptation; ability to identify workplace accommodations; proficiency with virtual meeting platforms; excellent communication and organizational skills; initiative; self‑management; sound judgment; teamwork; collaborative relationship with school personnel, businesses, and industry.
• Licensure:
  Valid Arkansas driver’s license.
• Physical Demands:
  Regular use of hands, standing, walking, occasional lifting up to 60 lbs; vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Work Environment:
  Frequent exposure to mechanical parts, occasional outdoor weather, moderate noise level.

Salary range: $40,482.00–$70,000.00 depending on location and experience.

Apply at Easterseals Arkansas. The position is a non‑safety sensitive role under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

Mid‑Senior level; internship.

Other;
Industry: Individual and Family Services.