Pre ETS Skills Trainer
About the Role
The Part-Time Pre ETS Skills Trainer role at SOAR365 is a meaningful opportunity to directly impact the future of students with disabilities by helping them build the skills and confidence needed for independence and employment. In this role, you support young people as they explore career paths, gain real-world work experience, and develop essential workplace and self-advocacy skills.
By guiding students through hands-on learning in both school and community settings, you play a critical part in preparing them for life beyond the classroom. Your work helps bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. This role is deeply connected to SOAR365's mission-creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, productive, and meaningful lives.
Who We Are: SOAR365
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.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
The Skills Trainer provides direct support and instruction to students with disabilities enrolled in the Pre-ETS program, helping them build employment, independent living, and self-advocacy skills through structured activities and real-world experiences. This role involves assisting with program development and implementation, coordinating work-based learning opportunities and internships with local businesses, and supporting students in both school and community settings-including transportation when needed. The trainer also maintains accurate documentation, participates in transition meetings and community events, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness. In addition, the position requires adherence to agency policies, ongoing training, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for students, volunteers, and interns while contributing to continuous program improvement.
Requirements & Qualifications
Qualified candidates will bring knowledge of evidence-based practices in transition services, career development, and vocational training, along with the ability to implement individualized training plans for students with disabilities in both school and community settings. This role requires strong collaboration skills to partner with internal teams and identify meaningful employment opportunities, as well as an understanding of diverse student needs supported through positive behavioral strategies. Additionally, the position calls for creativity and problem-solving to address barriers and ensure successful outcomes in students' transition from school to career.
Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and maintain driving eligibility throughout employment. Candidates are required to pass a SOAR365 driving test for designated consumer transport vehicles, if applicable, and must promptly report any driving violations to their supervisor.
A Bachelor's degree in a related field-such as Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or Social Work-is required, or candidates must be actively pursuing completion of such a degree. Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is essential. Experience in supported or customized employment is highly preferred, and a background in job development and/or business-to-business sales is considered a strong asset.
Physical Requirements: This position requires the effective use of sensory and communication skills to interact with colleagues and the public through both phone and in-person contact, including the ability to see, read, speak, hear, and handle objects. The role also requires the ability to operate standard office equipment such as a computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Duties involve frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), carrying, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling while delivering services and supports. The ability to travel outside of the office to community-based locations is also required.
Total Rewards & Benefits
Our market-competitive total rewards package includes:
Merit increases
- 12 paid holidays
- Immediate access to your paycheck through ZayZoon
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
403(b) retirement plan with employer match and immediate vesting
- Employee development and training programs
Wellness programs
Discounted tuition to South University
How to Apply
To apply for this position, a completed SOAR365 application is required.
Equal Opportunity & Workplace Commitment
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.