Employment Job Coach/Transition Specialist at University of South Florida

This role is integral to UMatter's mission as an approved Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program. The Job Coach provides personalized, student-focused support, fostering skill development, independence, self-determination, and long-term employment stability. They align with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities' expectations regarding career planning, employment outcomes, and post-program success.

• Provide individualized job coaching to students participating in internships paid work experiences and community employment settings.
• Support students in developing workplace skills including task completion communication time management professionalism and problem solving.
• Use evidence based supported employment practices such as task analysis systematic instruction fading of supports and natural supports to promote independence.
• Collaborate with campus and community employers to support onboarding reasonable accommodations and inclusive workplace practices.
• Assist students with career planning and job search activities including resumes applications interviews and job retention strategies.
• Support students as they transition from UMatter to community based employment including time limited follow along supports after program completion when appropriate.
• Support students as they transition from UMatter to community-based employment including time limited follow along supports after program completion when appropriate.
• Reinforce self-determination and self-advocacy skills related to employment transportation and workplace decision making.
• Participate in person centered planning and ensure employment supports align with students individualized goals.
• Support employment related transportation skills consistent with independent living and transition goals.
• Maintain documentation related to student progress employment supports and outcomes consistent with FPCTP and FCSUA reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with UMatter staff faculty peer mentors' families when appropriate and adult service partners such as Vocational Rehabilitation.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in special education, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, social work services or a related field.
• Licensed Occupational Therapist or eligibility for licensure may be used in lieu of a degree in special education or related human services fields.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in employment education transition or community-based settings.
• Knowledge of supported employment job coaching and transition practices including skill development for work daily living and self-sufficiency.
• Strong communication collaboration and organizational skills.

• Ability to work across campus and community job sites.

• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with inclusive postsecondary education or transition age students.
• Familiarity with Florida FPCTP and FCSUA programs Vocational Rehabilitation or workforce systems.
• Training or certification related to supported customized or evidence-based employment practices.

Work Environment

• Combination of campus based and community-based work
Schedule may include daytime, evening, or occasional weekend hours based on student work schedules

Commitment to Inclusion: UMatter is committed to high expectations, dignity and inclusive employment outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities. The Employment Job Coach/Transition Specialist plays a vital role in supporting equitable to access to postsecondary education career development and meaningful community participation.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.