College Student Support Specialist - Lowell, MA

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Inc•Andover, MA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

ESMA, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, is expanding its successful College Navigator program. This role involves providing essential on-campus and virtual support to college students with disabilities. The primary goal is to help students navigate campus life and successfully adjust to academics without the IEP accommodations they may have previously relied on. The program offers a supportive environment, including comprehensive new hire training and job-shadowing with experienced team members, to ensure both new staff and the students they support achieve long-term success. The position requires a consistent onsite presence at UMASS Lowell and may also involve on-site availability at other nearby colleges in the Northeast region of Massachusetts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field required
Knowledge of pertinent academic areas and learning situations including but not limited to secondary educational systems such as Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams) and Zoom video conferencing
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
TB test and health documentation clearing for work
Own daily reliable transportation to commute between campuses on a daily basis
Ability to work independently or in groups with minimal supervision
Able to work standard hours between 8 am and 5 pm
Ensure accurate administrative reporting as required
Completes all assigned tasks and projects in a timely and thorough manner
Ability to relate to students, families, and professionals in a positive manner
Flexible and able to work well with others
Maintain open and effective communication
Ability to communicate effectively by phone and in person with professionals and clients with various disabilities
Able to adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
Ability to organize projects, prioritize workflow, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately
Accepts assignments in a positive and proactive manner
Accepts constructive feedback and modifies actions accordingly

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field
Experience with young adults with disabilities preferred
COVID-19 vaccine (strongly preferred due to campus policies)

Responsibilities

Develop action plans each semester that addresses each student’s goals as they relate to their transition into college
Provide 1:1 coaching to develop and support concrete goals in areas of higher education and independent living to meet each student's unique needs and encourage independence in all phases of the student’s program
Support the student with executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, scheduling, etc.
Identify potential barriers and problem-solve around them with students and college staff
Create a supportive environment between the college and the student
Advocate for the student by identifying their needs and explain them to college staff
Maintain ongoing documentation related to monitoring and evaluating client progress on goals
Communication with referring agencies and program manager including monthly notes, weekly check-ins, and identifying and problem-solving challenges with clients
Ability to meet expectations, standards, and protocols of work sites and referring agencies
Assist students with navigating online learning platforms including, but not limited to Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle
Help students understand the current college culture and expectations
When applicable, assist clients in the consistent and appropriate use of assistive technology as outlined in the action plan to develop greater self-sufficiency and functioning
Review and discuss with the program manager potential referrals for other ESMA programs and services
Provide ongoing program ideas for improvement to the program manager
Attend transition-related conferences and represent Easter Seals Transition Services in local and state meetings, as requested by the program manager and/or director
Resolves routine administrative problems
Adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
Regular interfacing with students, families, disability professionals, and educators