Pre-Employment Transition Services Site Developer

DAWN Center for Independent Living (DAWNcil) is a grassroots, consumer-driven and consumer controlled nonprofit organization promoting self-direction in order to create, expand, and implement equal access opportunities for people with disabilities. DAWNcil seeks a highly motivated, enthusiastic, outgoing self-starter to work within that mission to provide care management, Information and Referral, and Advocacy services to individuals with disabilities residing in Northern NJ.

Job Description:

Pre-ETS Site Developer:
The Pre- Employment Transition Services Site Developer is a member of the Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) and Independent Living (IL) Team. In collaboration with team members, the Pre-ETS Site Developer is responsible for assisting in the identification and engagement of internship sites to support students with disabilities. This includes exploring various opportunities to engage in meaningful internship experiences which will facilitate a successful transition from high school to additional education, training, or competitive integrated employment opportunities. DAWN's Pre- ETS Services are designed to motivate students in grades 9-12 to pursue careers based on their skills and interests. The Pre-ETS Site Developer is also responsible for delivering life skills training, and Independent Living (IL) services primarily but not exclusively to youth and young adults with disabilities residing in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. He/she will assist consumers to access the full scope of services offered by DAWN Center for Independent Living and assist in developing and promoting these programs and services.

Essential Duties:
 Develop Internship sites for youth served under Pre-ETS programming based on appraisals of aptitude, interests, personality and other relevant vocational factors
 Support youth and employers while on site at internships
 Assess barriers/modifications at internship sites; educate employers on reasonable accommodations
 Engage in the evaluation of the student while on their internship site and use the data to determine if changes are necessary
 Participate in pre-employment transition sessions to learn more about each student’s interests and skills
 Work collaboratively with Pre-ETS Site Coordinators to understand each student’s individualized educational/career plans based on the appraisals of aptitude, interests, personality, and other relevant vocational factors determined during sessions.
 Assist in the development, coordination, and implementation of activities including orientations, workshops, job shadowing, site visits, internship placements, student seminars, and career exploration trips in accordance with WIOA Guidelines and Guideposts
 Gather information from the Site Coordinator about the student’s progress in identifying or establishing their career paths, resume building, job search, interviewing techniques, appropriate work habits and interpersonal skills necessary for success on a work site.
 Work closely with local DVR offices (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) to coordinate referrals, assessments, and additional services as needed  Maintain positive, constructive relationships with consumers, educational systems, referring agencies, funding sources, business community, families and the community at large
 Maintain detailed and accurate service records of all consumer contacts, as per contractual obligations
 Write, compile and submit reports, evaluations, progress notes and other required documents in a timely manner
 Facilitate workshops and public forums relating to services provided
 Keep abreast of all local, state and national policies, initiatives, programs, and services relating to IL life skills and transition for people with disabilities (including employment policies/programs/initiatives) through relevant multi-media research and by participating in relevant activities and events
 Produce content for newsletters and other publications or correspondence using current technologies and multi-media communications platforms
 Assist with the completion of applications related to the transition process, including but not limited to SSI, Medicaid, DDD Applications, job and college applications.
 Collaborate with agency staff in other program areas to ensure seamless support for consumers receiving other services in addition to Independent Living
 Facilitate distribution of consumer/education/and employment satisfaction surveys
 Assist with advocacy efforts pertinent to consumer base
 Complete all required webinars and trainings
 Attend all staff meetings, in-services, agency-wide events, and training's, as required

Non-Essential Duties:
 Conduct outreach efforts to create an awareness of Independent Living, Transition and Employment readiness topics, best practices, and challenges relative to youth in transition and individuals with disabilities.
 Provide statistical and other input for the development of annual and long-range plans.
 Performance of other non-essential assigned duties and tasks

Required Knowledge/Skills/Attributes:
 Knowledge of and support for the Independent Living Philosophy;
 Ability to successfully relate to and communicate with people with disabilities, their families, other organizations, agencies, volunteers, and consumers
 Possess strong and effective spoken and written communication skills to promote this program to potential employers, community members, families and schools
 Knowledge of programs and services, benefits, entitlements and supports available to persons with disabilities, as needed;
 Experience using Windows editions 8-10 including expertise in utilizing: Outlook; Skype; Microsoft Word/, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher,
 Strong team player willing to take direction, initiate business activities and work with management staff and peers;
 Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision/direction;
 Professional demeanor and presentation;
 Creative thinker using sound judgment in workload coordination and in technical matters;
 Ability to organize work effectively and establish priorities
 Ability to meet or exceed deadlines;
 Ability to make decisions and implement activities impacting the organization’s well being
 Ability to manage moderate to high levels of stress.

Education and Experience:
 Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Social Services field - and a minimum of one year of experience providing supported employment or employment readiness services to youth with disabilities. 
 Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities required.

Benefits/Comments:
Full time position, Monday through Friday. Mileage reimbursement is provided. Professional development and continued learning opportunities offered. Benefits include employer sponsored health benefits, paid time off, sick days and twelve paid holidays. Employee access to group rates for optional vision, dental, and life insurance benefits and 401K retirement plan. Job contingent upon proof of a valid driver license and proof of auto insurance coverage limits of at least $100,000 / $300,000.
Compensation: $47,000 to $55,000 annually

DAWN Center for Independent Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Detailed cover letter and resume required for application to be complete. Resumes must be emailed to jobsdawn@dawncil.org or via fax to 973-625-1942. No phone calls.

Salary : $47,000 - $55,000