Career Development Specialist

Position: Career Development Specialist Department: Career Development Services Supervisor: Career Development Services Manager FLSA Class: Non Exempt Date: June 2024 Incumbent: Summary of Job: The Career Development Specialist is responsible to provide delivery of individualized and group services including, as appropriate, developing and implementing curricula, work and education site development, situational assessments, job coaching, employment services and effective case management services to individuals referred to the Career Development Services department in accordance with state funded programs.

Skills and Requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Human Services or related field with at least one year of job development, occupational skills trainings and /or educational career counseling, high school/general education diploma with at least 3 years’ experience in workforce development. Must maintain a valid Driver’s license with a clean driving record and adequate insurance.

Knowledge and understanding of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, P hysical Disabilities, Mental Health Disabilities. A passion and desire to work with and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Ability to interact both internally and externally with professionalism, tact, and good judgment to ensure the best interests of Easterseals are maintained.

Must be able to work independently and effectively with clients/participants and employers. Work collaboratively within a team. Flexibility to work varied shifts in varied work environments. Creative thinking & problem solving. Excellent attention to detail and follow through. Strong ability to plan and prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines.

Ability to evaluate and interpret information and make independent decisions/problem solve. Excellent communication skills; verbal, written, presentation. Strong interpersonal and networking skills. High level of comfort with computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Adobe PDF, and other platforms as necessary to perform duties as assigned.

Position Duties and Responsibilities Collaborate with counselors, case managers, other Easterseals departments, and stakeholders. Meet with individuals to identify their needs and develop career goals/plans using a person-centered philosophy. Set up job exploration activities and working interviews. Assist clients/participants with job search skills, writing resumes and completing job applications.

Conduct pre-employment training and assessments to identify potential employment opportunities. Maintains excellent understanding of current job market trends, and consistently identifies and develops relationships with new employer partners. Work with employers to understand their needs and align our services to their goals.

Provide on-the-job training, job coaching and support to clients/participants as well as employers where appropriate. Work with clients/participants on daily living skills, as necessary, to maintain services/employment. Create/implement curriculum for Young Adult Services. Actively participate in team meetings, staff meetings and trainings.

Coordinates case management of individuals to ensure successful outcomes from services provided and encourages crossover services where possible. Actively participate in team meetings, staff meetings and trainings. Monitor program equipment and supplies, making recommendations for use and purchase. Review, keep current in one’s knowledge of, and comply with all Center policies and procedures.

Review, keep current in one’s knowledge of, and comply with all relevant accreditation standards as established by Center accreditation goals and one’s professional discipline. Maintain the highest ethical standards in ethical standards when interacting with clients, staff, colleagues, referral sources, and the community at large.

Perform other duties as assigned. Physical Demands Efforts This function requires moderate standing and walking with extended periods of sitting. Will be sitting while performing computer data entry functions. Position does not involve climbing or crawling but may on occasion kneel/squat. Requires occasional heavy lifting and moderate carrying of items up to 25 pounds such as a banker’s box.

Ability to operate normal office equipment such as telephone, copy machine, fax, scanner, and computer. Mental & Visual Demands Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment and Hazards This position works in an office and in the community at various types of employment sites.

The noise is moderate to loud on occasion. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: Easterseals complies with all aspects of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and /or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required functions of the position.