Student Career Development Specialist

ADEC•Elkhart, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

ADEC is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to enable them to live lives full of informed choice and possibility. With a history spanning over 70 years, ADEC offers a range of services including residential support, day programming, music and recreational therapy, and Community Employment. The Community Employment program is expanding its services at Elkhart Community Schools, focusing on providing transition services to students nearing high school graduation. These services aim to help students explore their post-graduation options, which may include employment, further education, or other support services. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in special education, employment services, or other transition-focused services for individuals with IDD. The Transition Consultant will collaborate with students, parents, educators, employers, and community partners to ensure a smooth transition from school to the next phase of their lives.

Requirements

Degree in a related field such as social work, special education, and psychology preferred.
Experience working with individuals with IDD, preferably in a vocational rehabilitation or transition services environment.
Experience working with youth preferred.
Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct job exploration counseling with eligible students through a variety of activities that may include assessments to identify vocational interests, skills, and needs.
Facilitate discussions of vocational interests, review local labor market and in-demand industries, explore non-traditional employment options, and identify career pathways of interest to students.
Provide individualized guidance and support to students in exploring career options, setting goals, and accessing resources and accommodations.
Coordinate and implement individualized pre-employment transition plans in collaboration with students and their support networks.
Provide training on workplace readiness, including communication, problem-solving, and independent living skills.
Help students learn how to advocate for themselves.
Coordinate with schools, vocational rehabilitation agencies, employers, and other community stakeholders to facilitate work-based learning experiences such as job shadows, paid and non-paid internships, informational interviews, apprenticeships, and volunteer opportunities.
Assist students in navigating the transition from school to post-school environments, including participation in postsecondary education, attending college fairs and tours, and connecting students to services and supports from other agencies.