Employment Specialist Independent Contractor
Mentoring Me Inc. is building a qualified network of Employment Specialists to provide participant-centered employment and transition services under Florida Vocational Rehabilitation authorizations.
Opportunity overview
This is an independent-contractor/subcontractor opportunity with Mentoring Me Inc. It is not employment with Florida Vocational Rehabilitation or the State of Florida.
Independent contractor or subcontractor
Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Counties
Assignment-based and coordinated around authorized services
Contract rate discussed during screening and stated in the executed agreement
Director or designated program lead
In person, with virtual delivery only when the service and authorization permit it
Primary responsibilities
Participant preparation
- Review the assigned authorization, service goals and provider instructions
- Identify participant interests, strengths, support needs and career goals
- Prepare participants for workplace expectations, communication and problem-solving
- Provide only services that are assigned and authorized
Employer and worksite coordination
- Conduct professional employer outreach and relationship development
- Identify appropriate worksites and meaningful duties connected to participant goals
- Coordinate schedules, supervision, expectations and approved supports
- Maintain timely communication with worksite representatives
Coaching and instruction
- Provide individualized job coaching and workplace support
- Deliver Work-Based Learning Experience support and Work Readiness Training when assigned
- Reinforce self-advocacy, professionalism, communication and task completion
- Adjust instruction within the authorized service and escalate concerns when needed
Documentation and communication
- Maintain accurate attendance, service notes and progress records
- Complete required plans, reports and supporting documentation by established deadlines
- Communicate with Mentoring Me Inc., participants, families, schools, counselors and worksites as appropriate
- Report incidents, barriers, absences or changes promptly
Compliance and confidentiality
- Protect participant and Florida VR customer information
- Follow Mentoring Me Inc. policies, the executed subcontractor agreement and applicable Florida VR provider requirements
- Use secure methods for records and communications
- Complete required training, screening and corrective actions
Professional practice
- Maintain dependable communication and professional boundaries
- Work independently while following assigned service requirements
- Avoid billing or documenting services not actually delivered
- Transport VR customers only after written approval and verification of all requirements
Florida VR qualification pathways
Applicants who will provide direct services must meet at least one pathway shown on the Florida VR Employment Specialist Application:
Pathway 1
Four years of proven experience in a public vocational rehabilitation and/or workforce-development setting working with individuals with disabilities, including job coaching, job placement and workforce skill development.
Pathway 2
A related master’s degree—such as rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, exceptional education, K–12 ESE teaching, human resources, business administration or economics—plus one year of qualifying experience.
Pathway 3
A related bachelor’s degree in one of the identified fields plus two years of qualifying experience.
Pathway 4
An associate degree, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an unrelated field, plus three years of qualifying experience.
Experience stated on the Florida VR application must be detailed and must match the résumé submitted. Florida VR makes the credentialing determination.
What selected candidates must provide
The website form is only the first screening step. Candidates invited to continue should be prepared to provide:
- Current résumé with employment duties that support the selected qualification pathway
- Degree documentation and an official transcript
- Two employer or provider references
- Completed Florida VR Employment Specialist Application
- Proof of required Employment Specialist training and quiz completion
- Supported Employment training certificate if providing Supported Employment Services
- Background-screening information and other provider-required documents
- Transportation documents only if the contractor will transport VR customers
- A signed subcontractor agreement with Mentoring Me Inc.
Subcontractor agreement requirements
Before services begin, the selected candidate and Mentoring Me Inc. must execute a written agreement. At minimum, that agreement must:
- Describe duties consistent with the authorized services and applicable Florida VR provider requirements
- State whether the contractor is covered under Mentoring Me Inc.’s general liability insurance or must maintain individual coverage
- Require confidentiality and protection of customer information
- State compensation, invoicing, documentation and payment terms
- Address contractor status, taxes, expenses, records, training, screening and termination
This public posting is a role description and invitation to express interest. It is not the subcontractor agreement and does not create an employment or contractor relationship.
Application process
- Submit the interest form. Share your contact information, education, relevant experience and availability.
- Initial review. Mentoring Me Inc. determines whether your background appears to meet a Florida VR qualification pathway and current service needs.
- Document follow-up. Selected candidates receive instructions for the résumé, transcript, references, training proof and official application.
- Interview and verification. Experience, service readiness, documentation, background-screening needs and availability are reviewed.
- Agreement and credentialing. Candidates moving forward complete the subcontractor agreement and required Florida VR credentialing steps before receiving an assignment.
Employment Specialist Interest Form
Complete the form below to begin the screening process. Submission does not create an employment or contractor relationship and does not guarantee an interview, Florida VR approval, referral, assignment or income.