Employment Specialist | Full-Time (48755)

CHALLENGE ENTERPRISES OF NORTH FLORIDA INC; Orange Park (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc. is seeking an Employment Specialist in Orange Park, FL to support individuals with disabilities in attaining meaningful employment and independence within the community.

The role focuses on job development, coaching, documentation, and advocacy. You will work with participants, employers, schools, referral agencies, and families to create successful opportunities and long-term workplace success, including resumes, interviews, onboarding, and retention

Qualifications

• Four years of relevant experience in public vocational rehabilitation/workforce development with individuals with disabilities.
• Master’s Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, or related field plus one year of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, or related field plus two years of relevant experience.
• Associate Degree or higher in related field plus three years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist participants with resumes, applications, interview preparation, and employment readiness.
• Provide job coaching, workplace support, and on-the-job training.
• Support participants during hiring, onboarding, and employment retention.
• Build relationships with local employers and community partners.
• Complete required case notes, reports, billing, and documentation accurately and timely.
• Attend trainings, orientations, and staff meetings.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Independent work

Flexible scheduling

Education

Master’s Degree in rehabilitation or related field

Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation or related field

Associate Degree in related field

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Challenge Enterprises Plaza - Orange Park, FL 32073, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Employment Specialist

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc.

Location:Clay County & Community-Based Services

Job Type: Full-Time (35‑40 hours per week)

Pay Range: $20–$22 per hour

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Paid Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Holidays.

Schedule:Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends based on participant and program needs

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-focused Employment Specialist to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and greater independence within the community.

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist will work closely with participants, employers, schools, referral agencies, and families to create successful employment opportunities and long‑term workplace success. This role involves job development, coaching, community engagement, documentation, and participant advocacy.

What You’ll Do

• Assist participants with resumes, applications, interview preparation, and employment readiness
• Provide job coaching, workplace support, and on‑the‑job training
• Support participants during hiring, onboarding, and employment retention
• Build relationships with local employers and community partners
• Complete required case notes, reports, billing, and documentation accurately and timely
• Attend trainings, orientations, and staff meetings

Skills & Qualifications: What We’re Looking For

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule
• Organized, compassionate, and detail‑oriented
• Positive attitude and teamwork skills

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Four years of relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation and/or workforce development setting working with individuals with disabilities. Experience must include job coaching and job placement, workforce skill development, promoting active engagement, advocacy, developing individualized support plans, and supporting competitive integrated employment.
• Master’s Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, exceptional education, K‑12 ESE education/certification, human resources, business administration, economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus one year of relevant experience as described above.
• Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, exceptional education, K‑12 ESE education/certification, human resources, business administration, economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus two years of relevant experience as described above.
• Associate Degree from an accredited college or university, or a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in an unrelated field, plus three years of relevant experience as described above.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must meet State background screening requirements
• Must maintain a clean 3‑year driving record
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred
• Must obtain State of Florida Employment Specialist Certification within 30 days of hire if not already certified

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and work in community settings for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to assist individuals using adaptive equipment when necessary.

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.