Professional Development Coach Jobs in Reston, VA

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Career Coach
Young Adult Transition Program
Job Type: Part-time
Hours: 15-20 hours per week
Pay: $20 per hour
Work Location: In person
Are you looking for a job where your work truly matters, every day is different, and you get to be part of a fun and supportive community?
College Living Experience (CLE) is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program supporting young adults diagnosed with autism, AD/HD, and learning differences. Students receive individualized support across academics, career development, social skills, and independent living while learning to manage adult responsibilities in real-world environments. Through mentorship, coaching, and real-world learning experiences, our team helps students build the skills needed to live independently and pursue meaningful adult lives.
We are seeking a Career Coach to support students as they explore career interests, develop job readiness skills, and gain experience through internships, volunteer and employment opportunities.
In this role, you will work closely with students to help them build resumes, prepare for interviews, identify career goals, and develop the confidence needed to navigate the workplace. A key part of this position involves building relationships with local employers and community partners to create internship and job opportunities for students.
The ideal candidate has experience working with neurodiverse individuals or individuals with learning differences, along with a background in career development, job coaching, workforce development, or job placement.
Why People Love Working at CLE
Working at CLE means being part of a collaborative team dedicated to helping students reach meaningful milestones in their lives. Staff support students across four key areas of development:

• Every day is different. You'll spend time mentoring students, helping them build practical life skills, and exploring the community together.
• You get to see real growth. Watching students gain confidence and independence is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
• You can be creative in how you engage students. Staff often turn their own hobbies and interests into activities that help students connect and grow.
• You get paid to do fun things in the community. From local events to game nights to karaoke, supporting students often means joining them in the activities they enjoy.
• You're part of a supportive team. CLE teams value collaboration, flexibility, and recognizing the strengths each person brings to the work.

What You'll Do
Career Development Coaching
• Review career assessment results (such as the Greenwood Assessment) with students to identify strengths, interests, and career pathways
• Work with students to develop clear career goals and measurable progress plans
• Provide individualized job coaching to support workplace readiness and professional development
• Support students participating in certificate programs or community-based career workshops
Job Readiness & Career Preparation
• Assist students with resume development, cover letters, and job applications
• Provide interview preparation and job search coaching
• Teach professional communication and workplace expectations
• Support students in developing confidence and independence in professional environments
Employer & Community Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers to identify internship and employment opportunities
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, workforce programs, and businesses
• Identify volunteer, internship, and job placement opportunities for students
• Promote CLE students as strong candidates within the local workforce community
Documentation & Team Collaboration
• Maintain documentation of student sessions and progress in BestNotes
• Communicate regularly with the Supervisor regarding student progress or concerns
• Collaborate with CLE staff across program areas to support holistic student development
Who Thrives in This Role
This role is a great fit for individuals who enjoy mentoring young adults and helping others build independence. Many successful Life Skills Coaches and Resident Advisors at CLE come from backgrounds such as:
• Psychology
• Social work
• Education or special education
• Counseling
• Behavioral health or ABA therapy
• Student affairs or residential life
This position is especially rewarding for individuals who enjoy building supportive relationships, solving real-world challenges alongside students, and helping young adults gain confidence as they navigate college and adulthood.
What Makes This Role Unique
• Work directly with college students in real-life settings rather than a clinic or classroom
• Support students attending local colleges while building independence in their community
• Combine mentorship, life skills coaching, and community engagement
• Join a collaborative team supporting students across academic, career, social, and independent living domains
Benefits
CLE offers a supportive work environment and benefits for eligible employees, which may include:• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid sick time
• Flexible scheduling options
Requirements
Transportation Requirements
This role includes travel between work sites and transporting students as needed.
Applicants must:
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Have at least one year of licensed driving experience
• Meet company motor vehicle insurance requirements
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social work, counseling, or a related field
• Two years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals or young adults preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build supportive relationships while encouraging student independence
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment