Career and Transition Specialist

St. Joseph's Villa is currently recruiting for a Career and Transition Specialist to join the CATS team. Under the direction and guidance of the Program Lead of Operations, this position assists participants from St. Joseph’s Villa’s Educational Services programs to acquire skills necessary to prepare for or obtain employment or continue to post-secondary training or education under the program Career and Transition Services (CATS).

A CATS Transition Specialist is responsible for teaching clients the necessary skills needed in acquiring job knowledge or employment opportunities. The transition specialist will administer and interpret student assessments, provide orientation and assist in developing duties and work-site training expectations. The specialist will provide direct training on or at an off–campus worksite location. They must be able to instruct using a variety of delivery methods including lecture, tactile engaging opportunities, small groups, collaborative instruction, and self-directed learning that motivate students through classroom and training location instruction that will enable them to learn basic life, academic and employability skills.

The transition specialist must be capable of instructing students towards preferred learning styles while enforcing worksite and program rules and policies. Responsibilities also require maintaining student records and supporting students in transitioning to post – secondary, employment or other personal goals.

Specific responsibilities include conducting assessments of participants’ interests and abilities, providing instruction from evidence-based sources (Career Choices, O*net, and MECA), coordinating with collaborative partners (One-Stop Workforce Centers, Local Businesses, Local Institutes of Higher Education and Vocational Training programs, etc.), supporting the student’s career and academic choices, and coordinating community-based experiences.

All work is performed safely, effectively, to the highest ethical standards, and in accordance with regulatory and accrediting standards and St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values and guiding principles.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday ; 7:30am - 3:30pm

Starting Pay: $49,000

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Responsibilities

Assesment—

• Assesses students using various assessment tools, including MECA assessment software.
• Generates situational assessment data.
• Identifies students’ assistive technology needs.
• Evaluates students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews.
  
  

Goal-setting—

• Uses aptitude and achievement assessments to help clients evaluate their interests, skills and abilities.
• Evaluates clients’ background, education and training to help them develop realistic goals.
• Guides clients through making decisions about their careers, such as choosing a profession or the type of degree to select and assists clients in applying for educational programs to obtain the necessary degrees, credentials or skills.
  
  

Training—

• Teaches clients job search skills, such as interviewing and networking.
• Teaches clients how to write resumes, locate job openings and apply for jobs.
• Assists in career readiness experiences for clients, including college tours, field trips, guest speakers and other career related activities.
• Works with students to develop skills such as organization, time management, and effective study habits.
• Matches and assists students with available training positions on or off-campus (where applicable)
  
  

Workplace Supports—

• Advises clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as conflicts with managers or coworkers.
• Provides clients with one-on-one or group training on assigned tasks and assists them in building proficiency and independence.
  
  

Documentation & Reporting—

• Maintains evaluation data.
• Completes necessary monthly and quarterly reports.
• Provides assessment documentation of training progress and transition goals.
• Completes assessment reports of participants involved in training.
  
  

Other—

• Participates actively in CATS team meetings, IEP/ISP meetings and other service meetings as appropriate and necessary.
• Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that include, at a minimum, trainings required by St. Joseph’s Villa and regulatory and accrediting bodies.
• Able to support and supervise individual or small groups with or without additional service personnel.
  
  

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree with three years related experience.
• Proficient with Windows, Outlook, internet research, and MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency with mathematical concepts including basic statistical methodologies.
• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record.