JOB OPPORTUNITY

Employment / Transition Specialist / Pre-Employment Transition Service Coordinator

FULL TIME (Springfield Area)

Basic Function:

To provide pre-employment and work-based learning experience to students with disabilities between the ages of 14–21(up to their 22nd birthday) enrolled in the various high schools and post-secondary education/certificate training. These services include but are not limited to instruction around the 5 main components of the program which are job exploration counseling, work readiness training, counseling on post-secondary education or training, self-advocacy building, and work-based learning experiences.

Essential Functions:

• Provide instruction of pre-employment skills and work-based learning in an interactive classroom setting utilizing an existing curriculum
• Demonstrate an overall understanding of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), why Pre-ETS are important for students to engage in, and how Pre-ETS can and should impact students
• Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and creating curriculum based on work-based learning topics, show creativity and classroom management
• Develop strategies for contacting employers for internship opportunities for students, placing students in internships, and documenting all communication with employers (internships for students is a major piece of this position)
• Assess job descriptions and identify the skills required to perform the job, understand the process to obtain the job, and the ability to breakdown this information for students
• Supervise interns at their worksites on a weekly basis, ensure intern payments as well as provide job coaching when needed
• Provide assistance to families/guardians and students around Zoom and remote learning
• Build relationships with school personnel and MRC area offices for efficient referral processes and document all communication
• Confer with MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and acting as a team member to troubleshoot any issues that might arise
• Maintain on-going documentation related to monitoring and evaluating intern progress

Other Functions:

• Assist client in the consistent and appropriate use of assistive technology as outlined in the students Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for the purpose of developing greater self-sufficiency and functioning
• Review and discuss with Director and/or Manager potential referrals for other Easter Seals youth programs and services
• Performs any other duties and/or tasks that may be assigned on an as needed basis
• Attend transition-related conferences and represent Easter Seals Transition Services in local and state meetings, as requested by the Director or Pre-Employment Program Manager

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in rehab counseling or related degree in the human services field
• Knowledge of job placement of persons with vocational/occupational barriers, including physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual disabilities
• Experience with transition-aged youth with disabilities
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Access), Outlook, Zoom
• Experience with virtualjobshadow, O*Net, or other career software is helpful
• Ability to teach classes in a manner that is energetic and interactive to people with various learning styles
• Understanding of Pre-Employment Transition Services and work-based learning
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the Springfield area and surrounding communities.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal & communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Bilingual Spanish & English preferred

Easterseals Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We base all employment decisions on each individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other legally protected characteristic.