Employment Services Specialist/Job Skills Trainer at Avondale House

Avondale House is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency that provides educational services to individuals with autism, a day program for adults, where clients receive training in daily living skills and pre-vocational activities and three residential homes for individuals unable to live in their own home. Avondale House has been serving individuals with autism since 1976. To learn more please visit our website at: www.avondalehouse.org.

Avondale House offers a generous benefit program that includes 401(k) and medical both with an employer contribution, in addition dental, vision, life, disability insurance and paid time off options are available. 

The Employment Specialist/Job Coach oversees the development and delivery of vocational and pre-employment training services for individuals with Autism, IDD or similar conditions. This role includes instructing participants in job readiness, teaching soft skills, coordinating training activities, and ensuring participants are prepared for community employment. The Specialist is responsible for supervising staff, assessing individual progress, and maintaining compliance with applicable standards and funding requirements. 

· Assists with the development and implementation of the Work Readiness ISS Track 2 Program.

· Ensures program compliance with state and federal regulations, ISS, TWC-VRS guidelines and Medicaid Waiver Program requirements (HCS and TxHmL).

· Documents program outcomes and participant progress to support continuous improvement and individualized support planning.

· Participates in annual program evaluation and recommends programmatic improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.

· Maintains a positive, professional, and person-centered service environment for participants, staff and visitors.

· Reviews training curriculum, lesson plans, and participant records to ensure relevance and alignment with participant skill levels and employment goals.

· Instructs participants using approved curriculum, emphasizing:

o Workplace behavior and etiquette.

o Soft skills development (communication, teamwork, time management, etc.).

o Self-advocacy and job retention strategies.

o Career exploration and navigation.

· Develops or adapts instructional material that supports diverse learning styles and functional levels.

· Coordinates on-and off-site work training experiences, internships, and live work opportunities in collaboration with community partners.

· Maintains detailed skill achievement records and participant profiles to track competencies and support employer engagement.

· Collaborates with the Program Director and COO on participant intake, eligibility review and enrollment.

· Prepares daily and weekly schedule of activities, ensuring instructional plans are developed in advance and reflect best practices in vocational instruction.

· Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in social services, special education, vocational rehabilitation, business administration or related field is preferred; High School Diploma or GED required.

· A minimum of 2 years of direct experience working with adults with Autism or developmental disabilities required.

· Experience teaching or facilitating pre-employment soft skills curriculum to individuals with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities preferred.

· Working knowledge of the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VRS) and Medicaid Waiver programs including HCS, CLASS, and TxHmL required.

· UNT WISE/TWC-VR Credential in Job Skills Training, Job Placement, Supported Employment, and/or Work Readiness strongly preferred.

· Ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism required.

· Deep passion for supporting individuals with Autism in achieving greater independence required.

· Experience with supported employment or transition programs preferred.

· Familiarity with evidence-based instructional strategies and visual support preferred. 

· Knowledge of community employment resources preferred. 

· Current CPR Certification required.

· Valid Driver’s License required.

· Ability to demonstrate Avondale House Core Values: Commitment, Achievement, Respect, Integrity, Nurturing, Growth.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to implement CPI, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

· Lifting/Moving up to 50 lbs and lifting moving up to 100 plus lbs with assistance.

· Ability to stand on your feet for 2-3 hours at a time.

· Stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling may be required in this position. 

· Must be able to handle situations that may be stressful at times.

The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by others assigned to this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. This job description may be amended at any time by management. 

Avondale House is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, genetics, or sexual orientation and gender identity.