Are you passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment? Aspire is seeking a dedicated Transition Coach to support individuals through job training, internships, and employment transitions. You will collaborate with Career Navigators and employers to provide personalized coaching, build inclusive work environments, and ensure successful transitions into long-term employment. 

Position Summary: The Transition Coach supports people with disabilities to transition into competitive integrated employment from the training program to the employer site. Under the direction of the Program Director, the Transition Coach collaborates with Career Navigators to effectively deliver Aspire’s job training program, including classroom instruction, goal development, transition support services, and job coaching at an internship. The Transition Coach also partners with employers to build embracing and inclusive environments. 

Position Responsibilities: The following represents the primary position responsibilities, but other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned. 

• Partner with Career Navigator to facilitate the training of both simulated work and soft skills development related to career readiness. 
• Partner with Career Navigator to evaluate/assess students for interests, dreams, goals, skill strengths and areas of needed skill development. 
• Identify and assist the students in devising strategies to overcome barriers to employment.
• Provide one-on-one support during internships and create a fade out plan to lead to independence. 
• Provide support to facilitate successful transition into competitive integrated employment. 
• Document student progress and activity. 
• Assist students in securing internships and competitive employment. 
• Provide ongoing job support to ensure the success of placements while developing natural supports at each community-based work location. 
• Create adaptive support as needed, including but not limited to, checklists, social stories, visual prompts and aids. 
• Serve as a liaison between employers and the people at the worksite. 
• Serve as point of contact for students and family members as needed. 

Reporting to this Position: None 

Required Education & Experience: 

• High school diploma or GED 
• 1 year related work experience

Additional Licensing/Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record 

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports 
• Ability to maintain confidential information 
• Ability to deal tactfully, engaging and courteously with people, team members at all levels, families and the general public 

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, or Education 
• Experience working with adults with disabilities 
• Knowledge of job coaching methods 

Aspire Values (POWER): 

P = We believe anything is possible 

O = We all own it 

W = We welcome everyone 

E = We evolve and try new things 

R = We build powerful relationships 

Team Leader Required Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 1 year experience supporting persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports.
• Ability to assess employee performance according to best practice standards and provide feedback.
• Working knowledge of PC operations and software including Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel
• Ability to use and adapt to various industry specific software products including an Electronic Health Record
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from families, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with participants, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.
• Ability to work flexible hours and days, including some holidays.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to interact positively with individuals who are verbally/physically aggressive.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field preferred.
• Previous experience supervising employees.

Leadership Competencies:

• Achieves Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Physical Factors:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to bend or stoop, walk and climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, push, pull, talk, hear, and observe.
• Able to assist people in moving from one position to another including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring from one surface to another, or climbing stairs.
• Duties are performed primarily in residential home, office, classroom, and community settings. Work areas are restricted to non-smoking.

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Pay and Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. 

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5502.