Community Transition Specialist - Employment & Life Skills

The Arc of Ocean County; Herbertsville (NJ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid On-the-Job Training

401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency ...

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Job summary

The Arc of Ocean County in Brick, New Jersey is seeking a Community Transition Specialist to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strengthen life skills and prepare for employment. This full-time role blends classroom learning with real-world community experiences and requires promoting independence through coaching and community engagement.

You will arrange community-based activities, coordinate with employers, transport participants, and document progress while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (five points or fewer).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with coworkers, families, employers, and community partners.
• Flexibility to participate in community-based programming throughout Ocean County.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized instruction in job readiness, communication, interpersonal relationships, and independent living skills.
• Create engaging activities that help participants practice responsibility, decision-making, accountability, and problem-solving.
• Adjust teaching approaches to accommodate different learning styles, personal abilities, and individualized support needs.
• Encourage participants to express preferences, advocate for themselves, and make informed choices.
• Help individuals develop confidence as they work toward greater independence in employment and daily life.
• Coordinate and support participation in community-based learning experiences, volunteer activities, and vocational exploration.
• Provide hands-on coaching as participants practice workplace expectations, professional behavior, and communication skills.
• Help individuals apply newly developed abilities in practical community and employment settings.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local employers, businesses, and community organizations.
• Safely transport participants using agency vehicles to vocational programs, community activities, and other scheduled locations.
• Reinforce objectives outlined in each participant's ISP.
• Observe individual performance and provide feedback that supports continued skill development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and contribute updates during planning meetings.
• Prepare accurate daily service documentation, progress notes, medication administration records, incident reports, and other required records.
• Complete documentation within established agency timelines and requirements.
• Use positive behavior support techniques and adapt assistance when individual circumstances or support needs change.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Special Education, or a closely related field

Job description

Turn Everyday Experiences Into Opportunities for Growth

Learning a new skill, exploring a workplace, or becoming more comfortable in the community can be an important step toward greater independence.

The Arc of Ocean County is hiring a Community Transition Specialist to join our Vocational Services team in Brick, New Jersey.

In this full-time position, you'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strengthen practical life skills, prepare for employment, and participate in meaningful community experiences.

Rather than providing instruction exclusively in a classroom, you'll help individuals learn by doing. From practicing workplace communication to participating in volunteer opportunities and developing daily living skills, you'll provide guidance that connects individual goals with real-world experiences.

We're looking for someone who enjoys teaching, building relationships, and helping others discover what they're capable of accomplishing.

Position Details

• Job Title: Community Transition Specialist
• Location: Brick, NJ
• Department: Vocational Services
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Schedule: Monday-Friday
• Hours: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Starting Compensation: $21.50 per hour
• Training: Paid On-the-Job Training Provided

What You'll Do

Prepare Individuals for Employment and Everyday Independence

• Deliver individualized instruction in job readiness, communication, interpersonal relationships, and independent living skills.
• Create engaging activities that help participants practice responsibility, decision-making, accountability, and problem-solving.
• Adjust teaching approaches to accommodate different learning styles, personal abilities, and individualized support needs.
• Encourage participants to express preferences, advocate for themselves, and make informed choices.
• Help individuals develop confidence as they work toward greater independence in employment and daily life.

Bring Learning Into the Community

• Coordinate and support participation in community-based learning experiences, volunteer activities, and vocational exploration.
• Provide hands-on coaching as participants practice workplace expectations, professional behavior, and communication skills.
• Help individuals apply newly developed abilities in practical community and employment settings.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local employers, businesses, and community organizations.
• Safely transport participants using agency vehicles to vocational programs, community activities, and other scheduled locations.

Support Individualized Goals and Track Progress

• Reinforce objectives outlined in each participant's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Observe individual performance and provide feedback that supports continued skill development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and contribute updates during planning meetings.
• Prepare accurate daily service documentation, progress notes, medication administration records, incident reports, and other required records.
• Complete documentation within established agency timelines and requirements.
• Use positive behavior support techniques and adapt assistance when individual circumstances or support needs change.

Promote Health, Safety, and Person-Centered Support

• Administer medications according to agency procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Follow established individualized healthcare, behavioral, nutritional, and adaptive support plans.
• Assist participants with mobility-related needs when necessary.
• Encourage meaningful participation while respecting each person's dignity, preferences, and right to make choices.
• Maintain safe and supportive learning environments in both program and community settings.
• Follow agency policies, established safety practices, and applicable program requirements.

A Career That Takes You Beyond the Office

This is an active, people-centered position where your work will take place in both program environments and locations throughout the community.

You may spend part of your day helping someone develop a new independent living skill and another part supporting a participant during a volunteer experience or community-based employment activity.

You'll work alongside individuals, coworkers, families, employers, and community partners to create experiences that build practical abilities and support personal goals.

The result is a role that combines teaching, individualized coaching, community engagement, and vocational development.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Special Education, or a closely related field.

Professional Requirements

• Valid New Jersey driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (five points or fewer).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with coworkers, families, employers, and community partners.
• Flexibility to participate in community-based programming throughout Ocean County.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility-related needs.
• Ability to travel throughout the community and actively participate in off-site programming.

Training, Support & Career Development

You'll receive support to help you become successful in the role, including:

• Comprehensive onboarding and paid training
• Professional development in vocational supports, person-centered planning, and behavioral strategies
• Opportunities for advancement throughout Vocational, Community, and Residential Services
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment

Full-Time Employee Benefits

The Arc of Ocean County offers benefits designed to support your health, financial security, and professional future.

Healthcare and Insurance

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Low Deductible Health Plans with $0 Copay Options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Supplemental Benefit Options

Financial Benefits and Paid Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Matching
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

Professional Growth

• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Help Individuals Prepare for What's Next

Every person has different goals, strengths, and possibilities for the future. Your role is to help create learning opportunities that allow those possibilities to develop into practical skills and meaningful experiences.

At The Arc of Ocean County, you'll have the opportunity to support individuals as they explore employment, strengthen their independence, and become more active participants in their communities.