Employment Specialist

Location:

Staunton, Virginia and surrounding communities
Pay: $21.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule:

Part-time, primarily Monday–Friday
Work Setting:
Community-based with regular local travel

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

This is an excellent part-time opportunity for college students, recent graduates, and professionals interested in gaining hands‑on experience in human services, psychology, social work, education, counseling, rehabilitation, behavioral health, disability services, or workforce development.

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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

We welcome applicants with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.

• 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…