Career Transition Specialist

DEPARTMENT: CareerAbility

POSITION TITLE: Career Transition Specialist

SUPERVISION BY: Current: Director of CareerAbility; Future: Placement Services Supervisor, CareerAbility

DAYS/HOURS OF JOB: Full-time, 40 hrs/week – Flexible, as assigned by supervisor.

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ+, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At CareerAbility, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

CareerAbility at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. was founded to meet a vital element of Chapel Haven’s mission: meaningful employment for the individuals we serve. Meaningful employment is predicated upon an individual’s choice, contributes to their quality of life, and allows them to earn a competitive wage for their work. CareerAbility’s career transition services are the core of what we do, ensuring individuals are matched with opportunities that fit their interests, skills, and needs, receive the necessary support to acclimate to the work environment and are set up for long-term success.

As a key member of the CareerAbility placement team, the Career Transition Specialist works closely with career advisors, the job developer, and the supervisor to support individuals exploring careers and starting new paid employment or volunteer work. The Career Transition Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals in all aspects of career transition: Discovery, and career exploration. job search, job training, job placement, and job retention. This includes providing individuals with direct job coaching support during the first months on the job. The Career Transition Specialist establishes rapport and strong relationships with employers and other entities to ensure successful placements. They implement support strategies including employer training, task analyses, and systematic instruction to foster a strong match between the individual and the new employer.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

• The key position assists individuals as a “career coach” with their adjustment and transition to the work environment, specifically, by maintaining effective and high-level professional communication with employers, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Must have familiarity or comfort with developing Customized Employment (CE) opportunities. This is a universal employment strategy that is especially useful for employment seekers with significant life complexities and barriers to employment, such as a severe disability. CE strategies result in competitive, integrated employment that is based on a determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the employment seeker. The specific abilities of the individual are matched to the business needs of an employer. CE is a relationship between an employer and an employee that is negotiated to meet the needs of both parties.
• In collaboration with the Career Development Advisor, identifies/establishes goals of job seekers, as well as task analysis and fade plans as needed.
• Provides on-the-job support, observations/assessments, job-seeking support, skill building, and assistance with transportation arrangements as necessary for career success (when public transportation cannot be arranged). Compiles data into usable employment profiles and reports.
• Establishes and maintains contact with employers, educators, and industry representatives. May perform site development as needed to support the placement of individuals.
• Assists individuals one-on-one and in small groups to achieve their personal and career development goals. This may include facilitating career tutorials/workshops (virtually or in person), onboarding, job coaching, assessments, and/or working with employers to negotiate job duties that align with the skills and interests of the individual and the needs of the employer.
• Facilitates on-the-job training, supports, and/or educates employers or coworkers with respect to the job seeker’s strengths, accommodation requests, and needs.
• Represents CareerAbility at seminars/conferences such as trade and human services sponsored events, stays abreast of employment first approaches/techniques and labor market trends. These meetings/events may or may not take place during regular business hours.
• Advocates and communicates with other agencies regarding confidentiality and participant needs. High level of meeting involvement with key stakeholders, inclusive of leading meetings and actively contributing to verbal and written formats.
• Supports staff training on CareerAbility and job coaching expectations, as well as the employer’s requirements for the client and job coach on the work sites.
• In a moderate to fast pace, achieves weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual retention goals (and others) as prescribed and in accordance with CareerAbility benchmarks and strategic plan.
• Completes progress notes, reports, and documentation as required. Documents consistently and accurately all client services, activities, and outcomes. Utilizes CareerAbility’s database, software (Setworks), and tracking systems for short & to long-term data reporting.
• Collaborates on the development and enhancement of CareerAbility and in Career Management Team meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or related field and/or a minimum of five years related job coaching or industry experience.
• Ideal candidates have experience with Customized Employment and a professional certificate.
• Must be familiar with customized employment as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Disability Employment Policy and familiar with APSE & Employment First principles. Knowledge of state employer incentives and other incentive programs is important.
• Must have excellent communication skills, including verbal and writing skills.
• Must have patience, and teaching ability, display empathy toward the needs of individuals we serve, and balance numerous essential relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and the employment challenges and opportunities for this population.
• Is familiar with Employment First (APSE), Department of Developmental Services, Department of Social Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation, and customized employment or apprenticeships as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor & Office of Disability Employment Policy.
• Ability to effectively balance the needs of two clients: the employer and CareerAbility job seeker/individual
• Computer skills – word, excel, web-based, and database experience required. This position requires strong computer skills.
• High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Haven’s values
• Independent problem solver thrives under pressure and prefers variety in their work assignments.
• Valid driver’s license with a personal vehicle and acceptable driving record. Daily use of an insured and reliable personal vehicle. Public Service License (PSL) preferred or eligible to obtain.