Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist - NW Region (Remote Position with Travel)

University of Missouri System; Columbia Township (MO); Remote; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist to support students with disabilities in their journey toward employment and independence. This remote position involves significant travel within the Northwest Missouri area, providing essential counseling and training to help students explore career options, navigate postsecondary education, and develop workplace readiness skills. The role emphasizes collaboration with local educational agencies and community partners to create meaningful work-based learning experiences. Join a passionate team committed to empowering youth and making a difference in their lives through innovative support and guidance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid time off

Short- and long-term disability

Paid parental leave

Educational fee discounts

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in education or related fields required.
• 3-4 years of experience in teaching or counseling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop student career interests and coordinate job-shadowing experiences.
• Guide students on training and college options relevant to their career paths.
• Teach critical work skills and assist with resume development.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organization Skills

Relationship-Building

Leadership

Teaching Skills

Counseling Skills

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education

Tools

Missouri Connections

Job description

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Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist - NW Region (Remote Position with Travel)

Job Description

Job Summary: This position supports the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirement for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to collaborate with Local Educational Agencies (LEA) to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to eligible students with disabilities in Missouri secondary schools. This role involves working closely with LEAs, VR, and community partners to prepare students for employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

Position Requirements: Applicants must live and serve in the assigned Pre-Employment Transition Services area and be willing to work from a home office. This position requires up to 75% travel to designated school districts and is not based in Columbia, MO. The individual selected for this position must live and work in Northwest Missouri.

Key Responsibilities

Job Exploration Counseling

• Develop and assess student career interests using tools like Missouri Connections.
• Provide insights on in-demand jobs and local labor markets.
• Coordinate job-shadowing experiences and job field days.

Postsecondary Education Counseling

• Guide students on training and college options relevant to their career paths.
• Facilitate visits to college disability support services and educate on accommodations.
• Assist students and families with financial aid processes.

Workplace Readiness Training

• Teach critical work skills such as punctuality, teamwork, and communication.
• Assist with transportation planning and financial literacy.
• Coordinate mock interviews, assist with resume development, and provide feedback when needed.

Work-Based Learning Experiences

• Collaborate with LEA staff, VR counselors, and local businesses to create work-based learning experiences in the school or community.
• Arrange job shadows and business tours to introduce students to careers.
• Facilitate learning through simulated work experiences in the classroom.
• Promote self-determination and self-advocacy skills.
• Support peer mentoring opportunities, including Youth Leadership Forum.

Additional Information

• Requires home-office setup and up to 75% travel to assigned school districts.
• This position is not located in Columbia, MO; applicants must reside in the designated service area.

Shift

This is a full-time benefit eligible position. 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, Monday - Friday. Remote work with travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in early childhood education, child development or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 3–4 years, including at least two years in teaching or counseling, with frequent interaction with state agencies, school staff, and students in Missouri secondary schools.
• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Education or related field preferred. A current MO teaching certificate or substitute teacher certification is required, with preference for Special Education certification.
• Preferred Skills: Experience with transition-age youth, familiarity with disability programs (vocational rehabilitation, special education), career pathways, and strong skills in communication, organization, relationship-building, and leadership.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $50,000 - $56,000 yearly. This position is grant funded. Grade: GGS-008. University Title: Child Development Teacher. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in MyHR.

Application Materials

In addition to the full University application, all applicants must submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter specific to this position
• Current Resume
• List of References which must include at least two previous supervisors. These references will not be contacted until after an interview has been conducted.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.