PAY GRADE: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities across ages and life domains through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolios. CDS is one of 68 University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide and is the largest research and public service center devoted exclusively to disability issues in the College of Education and Human Development. The Center’s current programmatic units focus on transition to adult life (secondary education, post-secondary education, and employment), health and wellness, PreK-12 education, and assistive technology. Each unit implements a cohesive program of research, technical assistance, academic training, professional development, community training, advocacy, and information dissemination. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at the University of Delaware, community organizations, service providers, individuals with disabilities, and families. Each unit provides opportunities to both graduate and undergraduate students to develop their knowledge, skills and disposition and contribute to the Center’s mission. The center also manages the Disability Studies Minor, the Access: Ability Scholars program, and two large-scale leadership training programs. The Career Counselor in the Career & Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program is a part of the Transition, Education & Employment Model (TEEM) Unit within the Center. More information about CDS is available at www.udel.edu/cds.

Under the general direction of the Career & Life Studies Certificate Assistant Program Director, the Career Counselor provides career and employment support for individuals associated with the initiative and works collaboratively with campus and business partners.

The Career & Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) is housed at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities (CDS). The initiative provides a comprehensive set of supports for UD students with intellectual disabilities within an inclusive college experience, as well as services to high school students with a range of disabilities through specific programs overseen by the CDS. More information on the initiative can be found at https://www.cds.udel.edu/clsc/.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct services to  students with intellectual disabilities:
  • Develop and deliver course modules and workshops to students enrolled in the Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program. This includes  the creation of course materials.
  • Provide individualized coaching support to students enrolled in the program and co-facilitates the creation and modification of person-centered plans.
  • Lead the assessment of individuals’ employment skills and career interests in order to support appropriate internship and employment opportunities in conjunction and collaboration with other CLSC staff and activities.
  • Support students’ development of applications, resumes, cover letters, and interviews with potential employers.
  • Support student self-advocacy for workplace accommodations and adaptations, and help facilitate conversations among students, employers and other colleagues.
  • Provide and develop periodic on-site job and internship coaching for a designated caseload of students. Establish a mechanism to offer resources and supports for alumni.
  • Counsel and coach students in collaboration with the university’s Career Center regarding career decision-making, assessment, and/or further educational opportunities.
  • Work in collaboration with the Career Center to develop and conduct student-centered workshops for neurodivergent individuals specific to employment seeking and retention skills.
  • Support other students with disabilities engaged in postsecondary transition programs as needed.
• Direct work with local businesses and corporations.
  • Establish new employer contacts and strengthen current employer contacts through outreach activities to determine hiring needs and promote autistic individuals as a potential candidate pool.
  • Conduct industry research and develop target employer lists for outreach efforts.
  • Serve as a liaison for internship supervisors at job sites as identified.
  • Work in collaboration with CLSC staff to develop and conduct training for employers specific to hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities.
• Coordinate Disability Mentoring Week.
  • Coordinate career exploration opportunities including job shadows, informational interviews, and workshops.
  • Collaborate with campus and community stakeholders to support CLSC students in identifying and attending career exploration opportunities during Disability Mentoring Week.
• Participate in the recruitment, training and supervision of miscellaneous wage, UD undergraduate hourly staff, interns, and volunteers during the academic year who serve as internship coaches, point coaches, and teaching assistants.
• Maintain specific documentation and participate in the data collection and dissemination processes for the CLSC program, research, CDS-specific and contractual needs.
• Write and compile sections of associated reports summarizing time-specific activity.
• Design, develop, schedule, and conduct presentations on current trends and research in career development for individuals with disabilities for university stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in special education vocational rehabilitation, human services, or related field preferred.
• Higher education experience preferred.
• Experience in career development services.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge and use of career development assessments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience preparing and presenting to a variety of stakeholders groups.
• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Strong case management skills.
• Possess flexibility, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience.
• Effective interpersonal and networking skills.
• Understanding of research in career and employment development preferred
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to attend meetings off-campus at a variety of locations.
• Ability to attend national conferences and other out-of-state events.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must have regular access to a private means of transportation.