This position plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities as they build skills, independence, and meaningful connections to work and their communities. As a key member of SOAR365's team, the Employment Transition Specialist provides hands-on coordination and implementation of employment supports for adults (ages 18 through retirement) across both center-based and community-based programs, including Workforce Development, Supported Employment, Day Support, Children and Youth, and Respite services.
This role directly contributes to SOAR365's mission by helping individuals discover their strengths, develop job skills, and achieve greater independence through employment opportunities tailored to their goals. Through coaching, training, and community engagement, the Employment Transition Specialist empowers participants to gain confidence, explore career paths, and succeed in real-world work settings-making a lasting impact on their lives and the broader community.
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.
In this role, you will be responsible for providing direct instruction, supervision, and support to students and adults with disabilities enrolled in SOAR365 Employment Services programs. Implements training activities focused on developing and strengthening employment skills, including career exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and community involvement for youth ages 14–22. Assists the Pre-ETS Supervisor in designing and delivering instructional programming and supports students in identifying career interests through tools such as PhotoVoice, work-based learning opportunities, and other assessments. Provides transportation when required, coaches students in real-world work experiences, and supports the development of employment portfolios (visual, written, or video resumes). Also partners with local businesses to develop and expand work experience opportunities for participants.
Qualified candidates will have or be in the process of completing a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or Social Work. Requires a minimum of three years of experience working with transition-age students with disabilities. Experience in supported or customized employment is strongly preferred, along with job development or business-to-business sales experience. Candidates should have knowledge of evidence-based practices in transition services, career development, vocational training, and school-to-career programming. The role requires the ability to implement individualized employment plans and support individuals in achieving their employment goals. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is also 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, but not limited to, 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 required in the delivery of services and supports. Must be able to travel to the field (outside of the office) in order to deliver services.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) onsite position with a flexible schedule
Our market-competitive total rewards package includes:
Merit increases
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
12 paid holidays
Sick and vacation leave
Short- and long-term disability benefits
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
403(b) retirement plan with employer match and immediate vesting
Life insurance
Employee development and training programs
Wellness programs
Discounted tuition to South University
To apply for this position, a completed SOAR365 application is required.
SOAR365 is an EO/AA Employer and welcomes applicants who are Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those from other protected categories.
We are a Drug-Free Workplace.
If you need reasonable accommodation when applying for a position on our website, please contact us at (804) 358-1874 and ask for Human Resources.