Employment Specialist/Vocational Training Instructor

United Against Human Trafficking; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

United Against Human Trafficking in Houston seeks a Vocational Training & Employment Support Assistant to provide direct support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities enrolled in vocational programs, including services through the Texas Workforce Commission.

You will develop job readiness skills, support employment placement, and promote long-term job retention through person-centered planning, career exploration, assessments, job search assistance, on-the-job

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in workforce development, job coaching, or related fields preferred.
• Experience working with transition-age youth or high school students is a plus.
• Driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• CPR certification within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized instruction on job skills per the Village Works Academy curriculum.
• Provide direct coaching and supervision across in-house and external job sites.
• Support participants in securing employment aligned with their skills and goals.
• Review assessments and service plans to establish career pathways and goals.
• Identify barriers to employment and connect to community resources.
• Maintain accurate records and adapt documentation for funding sources.
• Transport participants in TVC-owned vehicles as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CPR certification

UNTWISE training

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary

The Vocational Training & Employment Support Assistant provides direct support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities enrolled in vocational and employment programs, including services through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation program.

This role focuses on developing job readiness skills, supporting employment placement, and promoting long-term job retention. In addition to task-specific training, the Assistant helps participants build essential workplace interpersonal skills. The position emphasizes person-centered planning and supports individuals through career exploration, assessments, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and job coaching.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized instruction on job skills per the Village Works Academy curriculum, including topics such as resume writing, interview preparation, workplace readiness, accommodations, and self-advocacy.
• Provide direct coaching and supervision across in-house and external job sites, helping participants adapt to work tasks, build workplace habits, and meet the expectations of competitive, integrated employment.
• Support Villagers in securing employment aligned with their skills and goals. Conduct follow-ups to monitor job retention and provide continued coaching as needed.
• Review Villagers’ assessments and service plans to identify strengths, challenges, and interests. Use findings to establish individualized career pathways and employment goals.
• Identify professional, social, and physical barriers to employment and connect Villagers and their families to community resources, as appropriate. Apply problem-solving and positive reinforcement strategies to promote progress.
• Manage a caseload and maintain accurate, timely records including case notes, progress reports, and retention data in designated systems. Adapt documentation to applicable funding sources, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid Waiver programs, or school districts.
• Transport Villagers in TVC-owned vehicles, as required to support curriculum activities or community integration goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Effectively respond to inquiries or concerns from participants, families, and community partners.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Comply with all organizational policies, safety standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and professional appearance required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying support needs.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individualized goals and service plans.
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation, required.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general data entry systems required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Meet or exceed all program outputs, outcomes, and annual goals.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• This role requires frequent standing, walking, speaking, and active engagement with participants.
• Duties may include bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and assisting with mobility (including pushing a wheelchair or lifting over 50lbs).
• The work environment is typically moderate in noise level and involves both educational program and community-based settings.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Texas driver’s license and insurable driving record required.
• CPR certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Completion of applicable UNTWISE training as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent, required.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferred.
• Experience in workforce development, job coaching, or related fields, preferred.
• Experience working with transition-age youth or high school students, a plus.