Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Employment Specialist

Support Independence, Build Community, and Make a Difference Every Day

At Full Life, we're dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). For over 20 years, we've provided services that promote independence, inclusion, and personal growth. Based in Hilo and Kona, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, supportive community where every individual is empowered to thrive.

Position: Pre-ETS Employment Specialist

Full Life is seeking a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Employment Specialist to support high school students with disabilities as they explore careers, develop workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare for life after high school.

This is a great opportunity for an educator who enjoys working directly with students but is looking for something different from a traditional classroom role. It is perfect for substitute teachers, educational assistants, special education professionals, or semi-retired educators seeking meaningful, flexible work where you can continue making a difference.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, patient, and creative, with the ability to adapt instruction to different learning styles and abilities. You should enjoy helping young people discover what they're capable of and supporting them through their transition journey.

What You'll Do / Day-to-Day

As a Pre-ETS Employment Specialist, you will work both individually and in groups with students to help them discover their strengths, interests, and employment goals. You'll combine classroom-style instruction with hands-on learning and real-world community experiences.

• Help students identify career possibilities.
• Support the learning and application of workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and communication skills.
• Prepare students for employment through job search skills, resume development, and interview preparation.
• Coordinate and support hands-on work experiences such as job shadowing, employer visits, volunteer experiences, and internships.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, teachers, schools, employers, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff members.
• Assist with special programs during school breaks, including camps, intensives, and internship programs.
• Connect local businesses and organizations with students for meaningful work-based learning experiences.

Qualifications

We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals and provide full training to set you up for success. Required qualifications:

• 18 years or older
• High School Diploma or GED (or ability to demonstrate key skills)
• CPRFirst Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record
• Tuberculosis clearance (Full Life will assist with this)
• At least one year of experience working with students with disabilities, or substantial experience supporting young adults with disabilities.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience working with students with disabilities
• Valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to follow and implement individualized support plans, behavior support strategies, classroom/program routines, and safety procedures.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and relationship-building skills
• ACRE certification required within the first 6 months of hire.

Why Work with Full Life?

We empower our team to make a real impact while providing recognition, support, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Starting Pay: $27.00

• Training Pay: $18.00/hr

• Health Benefits: Medical insurance or $200/month stipend

• Paid Time Off: Available for full-time employees

• Retirement: 3% 401(k) match after 90 days

• Cell phone stipend mileage reimbursement

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance: $50/month

• Referral Bonuses: $500 for referring a friend

• Career Growth: Mentorship, ongoing training, and internal promotion opportunities

• Fun Activities: Join our Full Life Ohana and participate in regular team events!

LocationsHours

West Hawai'i – Kelakehe, Konawaena, and Ka'u with possible expansion into charter schools and additional West Hawai'I Communities. Travel between schools, community locations, and work-based learning sites is required.

Schedule: Approximately 25-30 hours per week

Ready to Apply? Here's What Happens Next

• Submit Your Application - Tell us a little about yourself

• Phone Interview (30 mins) - A casual chat to get to know you

• Interview with Hiring Managers (60 mins) - Dive deeper into your skills and experience

• Offer - Receive a contingent offer letter to welcome you to the team

• Meet-and-Greet with Participants - Meet your new teammates and the participants you'll support

• First Day - Start making a meaningful impact!

Fast-Track Your Application: After you apply, call our Kona office at(808) 322-9333, and we'll help you get started!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Full Life is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Full Life is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process, interviews, and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at aj@fulllifehawaii.org, and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.