Community Transition Specialist - Employment & Life Skills

Turn Everyday Experiences Into Opportunities for Growth

Learning a new skill, exploring a workplace, or becoming more comfortable in the community can be an important step toward greater independence.

The Arc of Ocean County is hiring a Community Transition Specialist to join our Vocational Services team in Brick, New Jersey.

In this full-time position, you'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strengthen practical life skills, prepare for employment, and participate in meaningful community experiences.

Rather than providing instruction exclusively in a classroom, you'll help individuals learn by doing. From practicing workplace communication to participating in volunteer opportunities and developing daily living skills, you'll provide guidance that connects individual goals with real-world experiences.

We're looking for someone who enjoys teaching, building relationships, and helping others discover what they're capable of accomplishing.

• Position Details
• Job Title: Community Transition Specialist
• Location: Brick, NJ
• Department: Vocational Services
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Schedule: Monday–Friday
• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Starting Compensation: $21.50 per hour
• Training: Paid On-the-Job Training Provided

What You'll Do

• Prepare Individuals for Employment and Everyday Independence
• Deliver individualized instruction in job readiness, communication, interpersonal relationships, and independent living skills.
• Create engaging activities that help participants practice responsibility, decision-making, accountability, and problem-solving.
• Adjust teaching approaches to accommodate different learning styles, personal abilities, and individualized support needs.
• Encourage participants to express preferences, advocate for themselves, and make informed choices.
• Help individuals develop confidence as they work toward greater independence in employment and daily life.
• Bring Learning Into the Community
• Coordinate and support participation in community-based learning experiences, volunteer activities, and vocational exploration.
• Provide hands-on coaching as participants practice workplace expectations, professional behavior, and communication skills.
• Help individuals apply newly developed abilities in practical community and employment settings.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local employers, businesses, and community organizations.
• Safely transport participants using agency vehicles to vocational programs, community activities, and other scheduled locations.
• Support Individualized Goals and Track Progress
• Reinforce objectives outlined in each participant's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Observe individual performance and provide feedback that supports continued skill development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and contribute updates during planning meetings.
• Prepare accurate daily service documentation, progress notes, medication administration records, incident reports, and other required records.
• Complete documentation within established agency timelines and requirements.
• Use positive behavior support techniques and adapt assistance when individual circumstances or support needs change.
• Promote Health, Safety, and Person-Centered Support
• Administer medications according to agency procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Follow established individualized healthcare, behavioral, nutritional, and adaptive support plans.
• Assist participants with mobility-related needs when necessary.
• Encourage meaningful participation while respecting each person's dignity, preferences, and right to make choices.
• Maintain safe and supportive learning environments in both program and community settings.
• Follow agency policies, established safety practices, and applicable program requirements.
• A Career That Takes You Beyond the Office
• This is an active, people-centered position where your work will take place in both program environments and locations throughout the community.
• You may spend part of your day helping someone develop a new independent living skill and another part supporting a participant during a volunteer experience or community-based employment activity.
• You'll work alongside individuals, coworkers, families, employers, and community partners to create experiences that build practical abilities and support personal goals.
• The result is a role that combines teaching, individualized coaching, community engagement, and vocational development.

Requirements

Requirements

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Services, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Professional Requirements
• Valid New Jersey driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (five points or fewer).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with coworkers, families, employers, and community partners.
• Flexibility to participate in community-based programming throughout Ocean County.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility-related needs.
• Ability to travel throughout the community and actively participate in off-site programming.
• Training, Support & Career Development
• You'll receive support to help you become successful in the role, including: Comprehensive onboarding and paid training
• Professional development in vocational supports, person-centered planning, and behavioral strategies
• Opportunities for advancement throughout Vocational, Community, and Residential Services
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment