Lead Employment Specialist / Job Coach – Rhode Island Expansion

Lead Employment Specialist / Job Coach – Rhode Island Expansion

Help Launch Our Rhode Island Program | Future Leadership Opportunity

Location:  East Providence to Newport, RI & Surrounding Communities
Pay:  $22.00–$24.00 per hour, based on experience
Employment Type:  Part-Time with Growth Potential
Schedule:  Primarily Weekday Hours
Work Setting:  In-Person / Community-Based
Travel:  Local Travel Required; Mileage Reimbursement Provided

Be Part of Something From the Beginning

RISE Services is expanding into Rhode Island, and we're looking for an experienced employment services professional who wants to help us build something meaningful.

We're seeking a motivated, independent, and experienced  Lead Employment Specialist / Job Coach  to become one of the first members of our Rhode Island team.

This isn't simply another job-coaching position.

It's an opportunity to help establish our presence in a new state, build relationships with local employers and community partners, and play an important role in the growth of our employment services program.

You'll begin by providing direct employment services to individuals with disabilities while helping lay the groundwork for future program expansion.

As our Rhode Island program grows, so may your opportunities for additional hours, increased responsibilities, and potential advancement into program leadership.

We're especially interested in professionals who have experience in supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, disability services, or transition services and are ready to take the next step in their careers.

What You'll Be Doing

Help Individuals Find and Maintain Employment

Your primary responsibility will be delivering high-quality, individualized employment services.

- Help individuals explore career interests, strengths, and employment goals.
- Assist with job searches, applications, résumés, and interview preparation.
- Identify competitive, integrated employment opportunities with local businesses.
- Provide hands-on job coaching at employer worksites.
- Teach workplace routines, communication, time management, and professional skills.
- Help individuals develop confidence, independence, and natural workplace supports.
- Provide ongoing employment-retention services.
- Identify barriers to employment and develop practical solutions.

Build Employer & Community Relationships

As one of our first Rhode Island team members, you'll also help establish connections throughout the region.

- Develop relationships with employers in East Providence, Newport, and surrounding communities.
- Identify local businesses interested in inclusive hiring.
- Collaborate with vocational rehabilitation counselors, schools, transition programs, and community partners.
- Participate in employment-related meetings, hiring events, and community outreach.
- Represent RISE Services professionally as we establish our presence in Rhode Island.

Maintain Quality, Communication & Accountability

- Independently manage assigned appointments and service schedules.
- Complete accurate, timely progress notes and electronic documentation.
- Track employment activities, participant progress, and service outcomes.
- Communicate regularly with program leadership regarding referrals, scheduling, participant needs, and program developments.
- Follow organizational policies, funding requirements, and service-delivery standards.
- Participate in training, team meetings, and program-development activities.

An Opportunity to Grow Into Leadership

We're not just looking for someone to fill an immediate service need. We're looking for someone who could help shape the future of our Rhode Island program.

As participant referrals increase and additional employees are hired, opportunities may develop to:

- Mentor and train new Employment Specialists.
- Assist with coordinating client services and staff coverage.
- Help establish consistent service-delivery practices.
- Support documentation quality and program compliance.
- Expand relationships with referral agencies and employers.
- Assist with staff onboarding and field-based training.
- Contribute to program planning and operational improvements.
- Potentially advance into a formal supervisory or program management role.

Important:  This position does not currently have direct reports. Formal supervisory responsibilities would be assigned only if the program expands and the position is formally designated to include those duties.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced professional who is comfortable working independently, takes initiative, and enjoys helping others achieve meaningful employment outcomes.

You may be an excellent fit if you are:

- An experienced Job Coach or Employment Specialist ready for more responsibility.
- A vocational rehabilitation or disability-services professional interested in program development.
- A transition specialist with strong employer and community relationships.
- A dependable self-starter who can work effectively without constant supervision.
- Someone who enjoys both direct client services and building professional partnerships.
- Organized, responsive, and committed to accurate documentation.
- Comfortable adapting as a new program grows and develops.
- Interested in long-term professional growth and potential leadership opportunities.

Experience with Rhode Island vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, transition services, or local disability-service systems is especially valuable.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet  one of the following qualification pathways:

Option 1 – Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, counseling, rehabilitation, psychology, education, or a related field, plus at least  3 years of relevant professional experience .

OR

Option 2 – Experience-Based Qualification

High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least  5 years of relevant professional experience .

Relevant experience may include:

- Supported employment or job coaching
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Job development and employer outreach
- Disability services
- Transition or workforce development services
- Community-based human services
- Other closely related professional experience

Additional Requirements

- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Reliable personal vehicle and required automobile insurance.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the assigned Rhode Island service area.
- Ability to transport participants when required and authorized.
- Strong communication, organization, and independent problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with email, electronic documentation, and workplace technology.
- Ability to meet documentation deadlines and maintain professional accountability.
- Successful completion of applicable background checks and required training.

Schedule & Hours

This position will initially be  part-time , with hours determined by available referrals, authorized services, and participant schedules.

Most services are expected to occur during weekday hours, although occasional evenings or weekends may be necessary based on participant employment needs.

Because we're building a new program, initial hours may fluctuate as referrals and caseloads develop.

Our goal is to expand services and create opportunities for increased hours and future leadership as the Rhode Island program grows.

Additional hours, full-time employment, supervisory responsibilities, and promotion are not guaranteed. Opportunities will depend on program growth, organizational needs, and individual performance.

This is a community-based position, not a remote position.  Services are delivered in person at employer worksites and other approved community locations.

Compensation & Professional Growth

$22.00–$24.00 per hour , based on qualifications and experience.

What we offer:

- Opportunity to become one of our first Rhode Island team members.
- Meaningful work helping individuals with disabilities achieve employment success.
- Paid training and professional development.
- Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel.
- Opportunities to build employer and referral partnerships.
- Potential for increased hours as participant referrals grow.
- Opportunities to take on additional program responsibilities.
- Potential advancement into formal leadership as the program expands.

Eligible employees may also have access to applicable organizational benefit programs, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Why RISE Services?

At RISE Services, we believe employment is about more than earning a paycheck. It's about independence, confidence, community participation, and having the opportunity to contribute.

We provide individualized employment services that help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain competitive, integrated employment.

As we expand into Rhode Island, we're committed to building a strong local team that understands the communities we serve and takes pride in delivering quality services.

We're looking for someone who wants to make a difference today while helping create opportunities for tomorrow.

Ready to Help Build Our Rhode Island Team?

If you're an experienced employment services professional who enjoys direct client work, values independence, and is interested in helping grow a new program, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Today:   https://risesgroup.com/careers

$22.00–$24.00/Hour | Part-Time | Weekday Hours | Mileage Reimbursement | Potential Leadership Growth

RISE Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to characteristics protected by applicable federal, Rhode Island, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees.