Vocational Instructor/ Employment Specialist

Pay rate will be between $19.50 per hour, plus the opportunity to earn bonuses

Part-time position working up to 25 hours per week

Hours for this position will be scheduled during high school hours, as well as outside of school hours

About Easterseals Florida

Easterseals Florida delivers impactful services through 52 programs statewide, supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are designed to help individuals with disabilities gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. In addition, our Workforce Development programs, including Career Camp and Self-Advocacy Training, provide valuable opportunities for career exploration, workplace readiness, and personal growth.

The Vocational Instructor/Employment Specialist plays a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities prepare for and achieve successful employment outcomes. This position provides job readiness training, career development support, job search assistance, job placement services, on-the-job training, and individualized job coaching. Through these services, participants learn workplace expectations, develop essential employment skills, and gain the confidence needed to succeed in competitive employment. Travel to various classroom locations and employer sites throughout Hillsborough County is required to support participants in their training and employment journey.

Travel to various classroom locations and employers in Hillsborough County is required.

What We Offer:

• Live and on-demand Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Easterseals Cares Wellness Program
• A culture that supports Work-Life Balance
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community

A Snapshot of What you'll do:

• Teach youth workforce development and job readiness skills using a certified curriculum. 
• Instruct classroom-based trainings focused on workplace expectations, career exploration, employability skills, and self-advocacy. 
• Provide vocational counseling and assist participants in identifying appropriate career goals and vocational objectives. 
• Help participants develop job readiness skills, including resume writing, interviewing, communication, and professional conduct. 
• Assist individuals with job searching, job placement, and securing competitive employment opportunities. 
• Provide on-the-job training and job coaching to support participants as they begin and maintain employment. 
• Monitor participant progress and provide individualized support to promote long-term employment success. 
• Participate in student classroom activities, internships, field experiences, and other hands-on learning opportunities. 
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, schools, and community partners to create employment opportunities for participants. 
• Travel throughout Hillsborough County to conduct trainings, meet with participants, and provide coaching and support at employer worksites.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of Associate's degree from an accredited college or university and two years' experience or employment in a public vocational rehabilitation program; experience in job placement, job coaching, or counseling, or other related experience working with persons with disabilities
• Experience working with persons with disabilities on job skills training, self-advocacy training, or daily living skills training, as well as assisting with personal needs such as monitoring behaviors, is required
• Ability to meet our approved driver qualifications in order to drive your personal vehicle, as required, to drive to meetings and for other business-related needs (minimum age of 21 and good driving history)

Preferred Qualifications:

• (VR) Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist certification (preferred; obtain within 30 days of hire)
• (AHLEI) American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Train the Trainer certification (obtain within 30 days of hire)
• CPR and First Aid Certification (preferred, or obtain upon hire)

Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for.

Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP).

Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, hr@fl.easterseals.com, 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.