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Instructional Specialist (Employment & Life Skills Training)
Location: Texas (Hybrid – Virtual & Community-Based Services)
Position Type: Contract Part Time Up To Full-Time (based on caseload)

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About Adverse Winds

Adverse Winds is a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence through employment readiness, life skills development, and long-term stability. We serve individuals ages 14 and older across multiple regions, providing structured, real-world training that supports meaningful participation in the workforce and community.

Position Overview

The Instructional Specialist provides individualized and small-group training focused on employment readiness, workplace behavior, independent living skills, and self-advocacy. Services are delivered through structured, scenario-based lessons designed to prepare individuals for real-world environments.

This role is designed for professionals experienced in working with adolescents and adults with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on practical skill development—not early childhood or purely classroom-based instruction.

Key Responsibilities

The Instructional Specialist will:

• Deliver structured training sessions focused on:

  • Job readiness and workplace expectations

  • Communication and social interaction skills

  • Problem-solving and decision-making

  • Time management and task organization

  • Self-advocacy and disability management

• Facilitate real-world learning through:

  • Scenario-based instruction

  • Community-based activities (as applicable)

  • Virtual training using platforms such as Microsoft Teams

• Adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs, including those with autism, anxiety, and other disabilities

• Document services in accordance with referral source requirements and organizational standards

• Collaborate with referral partners, families, and support teams

• Support individuals in developing independence, confidence, and workplace readiness

Mandatory Minimum Qualifications (Standards-Aligned)

Candidates must meet one of the following:

Option 1:

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation, Counseling, Education, Social Services, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field

OR

Option 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, Counseling, Education, Social Services, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field

• AND at least one (1) year of full-time experience providing services similar to:

  • Employment readiness training

  • Job skills training

  • Life skills training

OR

Option 3 (Experience-Based Consideration):

• Bachelor’s degree in any field

• AND three (3) to five (5) years of direct experience working with individuals with disabilities in employment readiness, life skills training, or similar services

 

* Candidates Will Not Be Considered for this position if at least One of the 3 Options are not met *

 

Required Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities ages 14 and older

• Strong understanding of employment readiness and independent living skills

• Ability to teach practical, real-world skills—not solely academic or child-focused instruction

• Experience supporting individuals with autism, anxiety, or related conditions preferred

• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills

• Ability to adapt teaching methods to varying cognitive and learning levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, adult education, behavioral health, or community-based support programs

• Background in life skills training within settings such as community programs, mental health services, reentry programs, or shelters

• Familiarity with service documentation, progress tracking, and compliance expectations across multiple referral sources

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Work Environment & Expectations

• Services may be provided:

  • Virtually (Microsoft Teams)

  • In community settings

  • Occasionally in office environments

• Flexible scheduling may include evenings or weekends to meet participant needs

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals who:

• Understand the difference between teaching children vs. preparing adolescents and adults for real-life independence

• Can connect with individuals in a respectful, empowering way

• Are comfortable guiding participants through real-world challenges and decision-making

• Are motivated by helping others build confidence, independence, and employment success

Compensation

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and service type, in alignment with program and contract requirements.

How to Apply

Upload your resume and ALL Transcripts along with a brief essay (combine to make one file) of experience working with individuals with disabilities to the 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Adverse Winds is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowering individuals of all abilities.