Instructional Specialist

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

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

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