Employment Specialist

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Established in 1983, the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC provides resources for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. Our team of nationally and internationally renowned researchers is committed to developing and advancing evidence-based practices to increase the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for implementing pre-employment transition services in local schools, as well as collaborating with the local school and adult service agency personnel. The Employment Specialist also communicates and shares information, while engaging families and students with disabilities.

This person will work with educators and rehabilitation counselors to develop and provide direct vocational services and individualized supports for students with disabilities.

The Employment Specialist will provide training on job sites, collect data, share resources, and maintain follow-up communication with local sites. Additionally, the Employment Specialist will:

Work collaboratively with school, vocational rehabilitation, and adult provider personnel to develop and implement pre-employment transition services in local schools;

Provide direct services and individualized instruction and support for youth ages 14 to 22 primarily in community settings and local businesses;

Conduct business development to establish business partnerships, arrange student work sites, and provide on-site training and support;

Communicate, share information, and engage families and students with disabilities;

Collect data and success stories, contribute to informational materials and resource development, and monitor and provide follow-up services at participating sites,

Participate in project, team, and departmental meetings and keep the project coordinator and project staff informed of local activities.

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU;

Experience working with youth with disabilities;

Demonstrated verbal and written communication with diverse audiences;

Ability to connect and engage community stakeholders;

Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;

Knowledge and use of computers and platforms (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);

A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with individuals with disabilities in areas of community, integrated, competitive employment;

Tribal affiliation;

Experience working with schools and students with disabilities.

Salary Range: $45,000

Position Details:

Department: SOE Spec Ed & DP - RRTC

Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT

Restricted Status: Yes

FTE: 1

Exemption Status: Exempt

VCU Job Family: Health Sciences

VCU Job Code: 21211

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Joshua Drywater

Contact Email: drywaterr@vcu.edu