Student Career Development Specialist

ADEC is a non-profit that advocates for and serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live lives full of informed choice and possibility. ADEC has been fulfilling this mission for 70+ years by offering a variety of services, including residential services, day programming, music and recreational therapy, and Community Employment. ADEC's Community Employment program, which helps individuals find and retain employment, is excited to expand programming at Elkhart Community Schools. ADEC provides transition services to students who are getting ready to graduate high school and exploring their next steps, which could include employment, school, or additional services. This is a great opportunity for someone who has been a special education teacher, provided employment services, or other transition type services to individuals with IDD.

ADEC is currently hiring Transition Consultants to provide this new service. Transition Consultants will work closely with students, parents, educators, employers and community partners to facilitate successful transition from school to their next new adventure. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting job exploration counseling with eligible students through a variety of activities that may include assessments to identify the vocational interests, skills, and needs of individual students; 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.
• Providing individualized guidance and support to students in exploring career options, setting goals, and accessing resources and accommodations.
• Coordinating and implementing individualized pre-employment transition plans in collaboration with students and their support networks.
• Providing training on workplace readiness including communication, problem solving and independent living skills.
• Helping students learn how to advocate for themselves.
• Coordinating 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, and informational interviews, apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities.
• Assisting 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.

Job requirements:

• Degree in 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.

ADEC offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403B retirement match
• Student loan assistance and/or tuition assistance
• Paid time off, earned upon hire
• Merit increases
• Professional Development

ADEC is an equal opportunity employer.