Agency Overview
DAWN Center for Independent Living (DAWNcil) is a grassroots, consumer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-direction and equal-access opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to empower people in Northern NJ by providing essential services that enhance their independence and quality of life.
Job description
We are excited to announce our Pre-Employment Transition services are expanding! The Pre- Employment Transition Services Site Coordinator is a member of the Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) and Independent Living (IL) Team. In collaboration with team members, the Pre-ETS Site Coordinator is responsible for delivering a system of structured employment readiness services that will give students with disabilities opportunities and the tools to make a successful transition from high school to additional education, training or competitive integrated employment. 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 Coordinator 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 (CIL), and assist in developing and promoting these programs and services.
Essential Duties:
- Assist in developing curriculum-based, customized pre-employment transition services, IL life skills training, and other related programs and services.
- Assist in developing and cultivating partnerships with schools, community-based organizations, parent organizations and local post-secondary education institutions to strengthen transition programming for youth with disabilities.
- Recruit students through referrals and contact with school system, agencies, etc.
- Deliver content of pre-employment transition services and IL life skills or other instructional programs and services and/or customized content in groups or individually.
- Implement instruction of participants in career paths, resume building, job search, interviewing techniques, appropriate work habits and interpersonal skills necessary for success in competitive employment
- Assist student participants in developing individualized educational/career plans based on appraisals of aptitude, interests, personality and other relevant vocational factors
- Oversee development, coordination, and implementation of activities including orientations, workshops, job shadowing, job sampling, site visits, internship placements, student seminars, and career exploration trips in accordance with WIOA Guidelines and Guideposts
- Work closely with local DVR offices (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) to coordinate referrals, assessments, and additional services as needed
- Assess barriers/modifications at internship sites; educate employers on reasonable accommodation
- Oversee evaluation of internships at work site and use data to determine if changes are necessary
- 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.
- Conduct outreach efforts to create an awareness of Independent Living, Transition and Employment readiness topics, best practices and challenges relative to youth in transition.
- Produce content for newsletters and other publications or correspondence using current technologies and multi-media communications platforms.
- 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 satisfaction surveys
- Assist with advocacy efforts pertinent to consumer base
- Complete all required webinars and trainings
- Attend all internal staff meetings, trainings, and in-services as required
- Attend all staff meetings, in-services, agency-wide events, and training's, as required
Non-Essential Duties:
- 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
- Knowledge of programs and services, benefits, entitlements and supports available to persons with disabilities, as needed;
- Experience and comfortability using technology including Windows editions 8-10 including expertise in utilizing: Outlook; Microsoft Word/, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher. As well as virtual meeting platforms, Adobe, and other web-based platforms;
- 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;
- Have strong and effective spoken and written communication skills.
- 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
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Social Services field - and a minimum of two years of experience providing transition related services to youth with disabilities.
- Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities required
Working conditions
- Standard Work Week is Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with a half hour lunch break (37.5 hours) however, this position requires flexibility in order to ensure compliance with program deliverables.
- Requires site visits and attendance at community based meetings, therefore the ideal candidate must have access to transportation. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal vehicle.
- This position has no required physical elements needing special designation.
*** This is a grant-funded position and continued employment is contingent to this funding.
Benefits/Comments:
Benefits include generous employer sponsored health benefits, paid time off, sick days and paid holidays. Employee has access to group rates for optional vision, dental, and life insurance benefits and 401k retirement plan with designated employer matching. Professional development and continued learning opportunities offered. Mileage reimbursement offered. Job contingent upon proof of a valid driver license and proof of auto insurance coverage limits of at least $100,000 / $300,000.
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: $47,000 to $53,000 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
[email protected] or faxed to 973-625-1942. No phone calls please.
