Transition Coach

Aspire Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

13 Paid Holidays

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Performance reviews and growth

Job summary

Aspire is seeking a Transition Coach to support people with disabilities as they move from training to competitive employment. You will work with Career Navigators to deliver job readiness training, set personal goals, and provide hands-on coaching during internships and job transitions.

You will partner with employers to foster welcoming workplaces, helping participants gain independence and meaningful employment within the community.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum one year of related work experience.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Experience working with adults with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of job coaching methods preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver job readiness training and skill development through simulated work environments.
• Assess participants' interests, goals, strengths, and skill development needs.
• Identify employment barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Create adaptive supports like checklists and visual prompts to support learning and independence.
• Provide individualized internship support and help transitions into employment.
• Offer ongoing job coaching to promote successful employment outcomes.
• Develop natural supports within community workplaces for long-term success.

Skills

Strong communicator

Team player

Patient

Creative problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Empower potential. Build Skills. Create Opportunities.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

The Transition Coach supports people with disabilities as they transition from Aspire’s job training program into competitive integrated employment. Working closely with Career Navigators, this role helps deliver job readiness training, support individual goals, and provide hands‑on coaching during internships and the transition into employment.

The Transition Coach also partners with employers to foster welcoming, inclusive workplaces where individuals can build skills, gain independence, and succeed in meaningful employment.

What You'll Do

Job Readiness and Skill Development

• Partner with Career Navigators to facilitate training in simulated work environments and develop the soft skills needed for career readiness.
• Work with Career Navigators to assess each participant's interests, aspirations, goals, strengths, and areas for skill development.
• Help participants identify employment barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Create adaptive supports as needed, including checklists, social stories, visual prompts, and other tools that support learning and independence.

Internship & Employment Support

• Provide individualized support during internships, developing and implementing a plan to gradually reduce assistance and promote independence.
• Support successful transitions into competitive integrated employment.
• Provide ongoing job coaching and support to promote successful employment outcomes.
• Develop natural supports within community-based workplaces to encourage long‑term success and independence.

Employer & Family Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between employers and individuals at the worksite to support communication and successful workplace integration.
• Partner with employers to foster welcoming, inclusive, and supportive work environments.
• Serve as a point of contact for participants and family members as needed.
• Collaborate with Career Navigators and other stakeholders to support each participant's progress toward their employment goals.

Who You Are

• Passionate about supporting people with disabilities in building skills, independence, and meaningful careers.
• A strong communicator who can build positive relationships with participants, families, employers, and colleagues.
• Patient, adaptable, and creative when identifying strategies to support individual learning needs.
• Comfortable providing individualized coaching while encouraging independence and confidence.
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work effectively with a team and community-based employers.
• Committed to fostering inclusive workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Services or Education, preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year of related work experience.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Experience working with adults with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of job coaching methods preferred.

Why Aspire?

At Aspire, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, connected, and fulfilling life. Our community homes provide opportunities for people with disabilities to build relationships, explore their interests, develop independence, and experience genuine belonging.

Full-Time Benefits

(for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Annual performance reviews with opportunities to discuss compensation and professional growth

Salary Description

$22.00 per hour