Transitions Employment Specialist at OE Enterprises, Inc. – Hillsborough, North Carolina

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, working in the school system, and/or providing employment services (e.g., job development, job coaching, supported employment, etc.); Preferred: Experience with Project SEARCH, Pre-ETS, Work Adjustment (WA), Supported Employment (SE), and LTVS workflows, including coordination with Medicaid and LME/MCOs. Valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, and ability to pass background checks. Technical: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlooks, Teams, Excel, Word), Google Drive, case management/documentation systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
SALARY: $18-19/hr.
HOURS: Full Time; School year + summer coverage. Occasional early morning/evening hours and weekends to match employer/student schedules.
TRAVEL: Regular travel across Durham, Orange, and Alamance counties for site visits, employer meetings and coaching (mileage reimbursed per policy)
ENVIRONMENT: Mix of classroom, employer worksites, and community settings
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SUMMARY:
The Transitions Employment Specialist (TES) plays a vital role in helping students with disabilities successfully move from school to work. This position provides year-round support in job readiness, workplace integration, and long-term employment success by coordinating with schools, families, employers, and community resources. Through job coaching, employer engagement, and post-program follow-up, the TES ensures continuity of services and drives higher placement rates, advancing our mission to promote independence and inclusion.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing individualized support to interns in developing job skills, workplace behaviors, and self-advocacy.
• Collaborating with host businesses to ensure a successful internship experience.
• Supporting students/interns in resume development, interview preparation, and job applications.
• Engaging with families to provide guidance on employment expectations and transition planning.
• Facilitating post-program job placement, job coaching, and retention through follow-up services.
• Ensuring that there is no lapse in job development services from previous graduating cohorts (Project SEARCH and Pre-ETS in Work Adjustment or Supported Employment).
• Provide employment specialist services to students from Durham, Orange, and Alamance Counties, both past and present.

• Other duties as assigned.

UTILIZATION DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR:

• Project SEARCH Intern Selection: Assisting in the recruitment and selection of students for the Project SEARCH program by observing Pre-ETS students who are interested in the program.
• Supported Employment Support: Providing on-site job coaching, skill-building sessions, and support within workplace placements for those students/graduates who are employed.
• Evaluation Support: Completing assessments, like Community-Based Assessments or Supplemental Evaluations, with assigned students
• Job Club: Leading workshops on professional skills, communication, teamwork, and workplace problem-solving.
• Employer Collaboration: Engaging with business partners to ensure a structured and supportive work environment.
• Family Engagement: Conducting meetings and workshops to prepare families for post-graduation employment transitions.
• Project Search Site Visits: Periodically visit each site to observe students working in internships and build rapport with interns.
• Pre-ETS Site Visits: Periodically visit Pre-ETS classes to identify interested students who are ready for WA and SE, helping to bridge the gap between school and employment.
• Externships: Make contacts with local businesses for externship opportunities. Provide coaching and support to Project Search interns who participate in externships during the 3rd rotation.
• Long Term Vocational Supports: Ensuring that all Project Search interns and any Pre-ETS students in WA/SE are eligible for and signed up for LTVS with Medicaid and LME/MCO before the end of the school year.
• Supporting the transition to the retention team when appropriate and completing necessary paperwork.

UTILIZATION DURING THE SUMMER:

• Job Development & Placement: Providing support for previous and current Project SEARCH interns and Pre-ETS students to assist in securing employment by connecting them with businesses, completing applications, and preparing them for interviews.
• Intake Meetings: Conduct intake meetings and complete necessary paperwork with students and guardians.
• Job Coaching: Providing support for all students/graduates to ensure job placement and stabilization.
• Community Resource Connection: Linking participants and families with MCO/LME, transportation solutions, and additional employment supports.
• Follow-up Services: Checking in with employers and interns to address any emerging workplace challenges and reinforcing skills learned during the program.

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work standing for an 8 hr. shift.

• Able to sit for up to 8 hours

• Able to lift & carry 25 lbs.

• Able to work under varying climatic conditions, indoors or outdoors, in cold or heat.

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EEO STATEMENT:
It has been and will continue to be the policy of OE Enterprises (OE) not to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.
OE prohibits discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on any of the following: race, color, religion, atheism, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, immigration status, or any other classification that is protected by law, regulation or this policy. OE further prohibits discrimination against a person perceived to have any of the above characteristics or against a person for associating with someone protected by this policy.