The Career Development, In-School Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting students as they navigate significant life changes within an educational setting. This position is focused on helping students transition smoothly between different educational levels, such as moving from middle school to high school, to post-secondary education and/or the world of work. The specialist works collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners to ensure a seamless and successful transition experience. The In-School Specialist will specifically focus on career exploration and job readiness activities for youth ages 12-24 who are enrolled in school of any kind.

　　Qualifications:

　　*Education: * Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.

　　Experience:  One year of experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with barriers to employment. Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

　　Computer proficiency: Basic computer literacy including the professional use of email and the ability to navigate the Microsoft and Google Suite platforms is preferred.

　　*Clearances: *Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History Check, and Department of Human Services- FBI Fingerprints are required. 

　　Exclusion Report: Upon hire, employees will be screened monthly to determine if they have been excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs.  If exclusions from participation in federal healthcare programs occurs, the employee will be precluded from employment in any federally funded healthcare program operated by Goodwill.

　　Other: Employee must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and dependable transportation that can be used in the course of his/her job.  Mileage reimbursement is provided. 

　　Skills, Abilities, and Duties

　　The Career Development, In-School Specialist will work with opportunity youth ages 12 to 24. who may have multiple and complex barriers to employment; including physical or intellectual disabilities, parenting, transportation, or income challenges; and/or experience with the criminal justice system. This position answers to multiple stakeholders, participants, funding sources, employers, community representatives, and Goodwill. SKILLS:

　　Experience working with individuals with barriers and/or disabilities.Strong customer service skills.Career counseling, workplace behavior training, job readiness, and transition service knowledge.Familiarity with best practices in the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services.Sound professional judgment.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Knowledge of basic labor market information and regional employment needs.Public speaking experience and the ability to present to small and large groups.Knowledge of current resume trends, interview techniques, and job search strategies.Strong organizational, and time management skills.Flexibility to work in various work environments.Manage various projects, customers, and work locations efficiently.Empathetic and patient nature with active listening skills.ABILITIES:

　　Work collaboratively with co-workers, customers, supervisors, funders, and community partners.Interpret human behavior and implement effective behavior modification techniques.Administer and interpret career and aptitude assessments.Evaluate post-secondary school training and employment opportunities and requirements.Develop individual service/employment plans for customers and monitor and document progress.Complete tasks that may require frequent bending, stooping, stretching, pushing, and pulling.Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 lbs.Vision and hearing corrected to within normal limits.

　　  DUTIES

　　Complete all required trainings and maintain necessary certifications.

　　Obtain the Certified Employment Support Professional Credential within two years of hire.Stay abreast of workforce development trends and service offerings.Maintain program compliance, operating within the laws, rules, and regulations required. Report non-compliance concerns to your supervisor or Corporate Compliance Officer immediately.Promote the use of universal design principles.Apply core values and principles of supported employment to service provision.Compile and maintain participant files in accordance with compliance regulations.Conduct intakes, eligibility determinations, orientation services, and career centered workshops.Assume responsibility for an assigned caseload; gather and evaluate information on the customer's medical, psychological, educational, and employment background.Educate participants on acceptable workplace behaviors, employer expectations, and career exploration and planning via individual and group sessions.Provide proper training for participants in paid work experiences.Develop curriculum and schedule classes/workshops as needed/required.Record and maintain customer service outcomes in designated systems of record.Conduct/organize interest and aptitude assessments, situational work assessments, job shadowing experiences, industry tours, career fairs, and career exploration activities for partnering schools upon request.Adapt to customers unique needs and circumstances by adjusting service plans as needed.Advocate for students' needs and facilitate referrals to external resources for specialized services.Understand grant guidelines, policies, and procedures in an effort to meet and /or exceed objectives.Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers, school staff, parents, agency partners, and funders.Conduct workshops and present service information, on and off site, to students and program partners. Topics include (but are not limited to) career exploration, job readiness, financial literacy, resume writing, self-awareness and self-advocacy, entrepreneurship, etc.Recruit students to participate in services, act upon referrals/requests for school workshops, and prepare youth for paid work experiences, job shadowing, pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, on-the-job training, unsubsidized employment, tutoring, study skills training, dropout prevention services, etc.WORKING WITH STUDENTS:

　　Establish a service plan with each student that will assist them in achieving their employment goals.

　　Coordinate services with those who have a significant role in the individual's life.

　　Develop & implement activities in accordance with customer needs, program guidelines, & service plans.

　　Utilize person-centered strategies of discovery to facilitate the process and gain knowledge about your customers in order to assist them in planning for employment.

　　Attend staff, multidisciplinary, IEP, and partner meetings pertaining to a customer's vocational rehabilitation and transition plan.

　　Develop and oversee student work experiences (job shadowing, paid work experience, inter