Employment & Education Specialist

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

First Place AZ in Phoenix seeks an Employment & Education Specialist to support educational and employment programming for neurodivergent adults. You will help learners develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the job market and find meaningful work.

This role spans classroom and community settings, requiring a proactive self-starter with strong communication skills and collaboration with learners, jobseekers, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social services or related field required.
• 2+ years of experience in benefits coordination or employment services.
• Experience with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Strong ability to organize, lead meetings and public speaking.
• Excellent references and a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and facilitate classroom activities for workforce development.
• Edit and develop curriculum between class cycles using coaching insights.
• Provide employment support to learners, including resume and interview prep.
• Assist with career planning, job readiness and transportation needs.
• Develop individualized training plans based on assessments.
• Maintain participant records and ensure compliance with SOPs.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are a spirited charitable nonprofit organization advancing a new marketplace of inclusive housing, healthcare, employment and lifelong-learning options for adults with autism, neurodivergences and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). First Place-Phoenix, our flagship property, serves as a proof point informing our national work, offering a real-world site for innovation, learning and demonstration.

First Place AZ is an equal opportunity employer.

The Opportunity

The Employment & Education Specialist provides dedicated support to First Place Global's educational and employment programming, helping neurodivergent adults develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the job market and find meaningful work. This role operates across classroom and community settings, requiring a self-starter with strong communication skills who is equally comfortable working with learners, jobseekers, and community partners. This position will develop, implement, and deliver employment-related educational curriculum, as well as provide employment services including job training, career exploration, supported education, rehabilitation instructional services, and job development and retention through organizational programming and state contracts.

The ideal candidate is committed to empowering adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and other neurodivergences to achieve purposeful, competitive integrated employment aligned with their abilities and interests.

Who You Are

You bring experience working with neurodiverse populations and thrives in a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible, organized, proactive and efficient. You demonstrate a high level of professionalism, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to ethical standards, organizational outcomes and workplace diversity. You are open to direction and feedback, dedicated to high-quality performance and customer service and confident both giving and receiving ideas within a team.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Education Coordinator in planning, preparing and facilitating classroom activities and materials for workforce development programming.
• Assist with curriculum editing, formatting and development tasks between active class cycles, applying insights from direct employment support to improve instruction.
• Provide classroom and one-on-one employment support to learners and jobseekers, assisting them in developing employment skills including resume writing, interview preparation, job applications, workplace professionalism and interpersonal skills.
• Work with participants on career planning, job readiness, transportation and other skills needed for successful and sustained employment.
• Conduct assessments to identify participant strengths and employment goals; develop and implement individualized training plans accordingly.
• Provide ongoing support and communication with participants throughout their time in programming, including in the classroom, during job search and while employed.
• Conduct job development activities by sourcing leads and building relationships with local employers to connect participants to volunteer and employment opportunities aligned with their skills and goals.
• Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and ensure reasonable workplace accommodations are in place before and during employment.
• Maintain accurate records including case notes, participant files, attendance, and compliance documentation in accordance with Vocational Rehabilitation requirements and Employment team SOPs.
• Collaborate with supervisors to monitor participant development, drive program improvements and maintain adherence to OSHA safety standards.
• Deliver all services in a culturally relevant, accessible and identity-affirming manner, championing participants' rights and inclusion in competitive integrated employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in social services or a related field (e.g., social work, psychology, special education, sociology, or human services) from an accredited four-year college or university(preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in benefits coordination and/or employment services.
• Experience working with individuals with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities(preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct productive meetings, training sessions, and public-speaking activities.
• Outstanding references from previous employers.
• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and community members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to the varying needs and preferences of a neurodiverse population.
• Commitment to high professional and ethical standards and to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.
• Respect for individuals' right to self-determination and independence.
• Openness to direction and supervisory feedback.
• Demonstrates integrity, respect, kindness, and excellence in all work and interactions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Dependable, adaptable, and punctual.

What To Expect

The position takes place in both an office environment and within the community. Exposure to varying temperatures and weather elements can apply. The noise level ranges from quiet to moderate.

The position may require the following requirements:

• Ascending and descending stairs.
• Moving between positions to accomplish tasks in various environments.
• Remaining stationary for prolonged periods, either sitting or standing.
• Operating a computer and standard office equipment such as a copier and printer.
• Communicating clearly and accurately with others in a variety of settings.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work.
• Moving between worksites to complete tasks.
• Performing repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Lifting objects weighing up to 25-50 lbs.
• Operating a motor vehicle.

*All potential employees of First Place will be required to pass a thorough criminal background check, drug screening and any other offender/registry clearances as identified and deemed appropriate by the organization.

**First Place AZ is committed to an inclusive hiring process. Applicants who require accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to make a request.