Student Career Advisor

Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.; Merrillville, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunity Enterprises is seeking a Student Career Advisor to provide in-school transition services at Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Indiana. The role supports students through career exploration, job readiness, and work-based learning experiences aligned with IEP goals.

The position emphasizes collaboration with teachers, community partners, and the Transition Team to meet program goals and compliance requirements under Indiana VR Pre-ETS.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or similar software.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and shifts.
• Ability to work independently and maintain discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one classroom instruction and worksite services, including career exploration and job readiness.
• Develop and manage a caseload of students with IEPs within the assigned school.
• Maintain a consistent schedule with students to meet goals and program requirements.
• Assist Transition Team to meet goals outlined in RFF and Indiana VR contracts.
• Advocate for and pursue services to meet individual student needs.
• Build productive relationships with teachers, employers, students, parents, and coworkers.
• Attend conferences and review IEPs to understand student information.
• Monitor and document student progress focusing on challenges and successes.
• Ensure daily documentation is completed and accurate.
• Maintain production levels to meet program goals.
• Attend department, division, and agency meetings as required.
• Engage local businesses to establish assessment sites as needed.
• Maintain documentation, data, and reports per Pre-ETS guidelines.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written and verbal communication

Organizational and time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Schedule flexibility

Problem solving

Independence

Confidentiality handling

Education

High School Diploma

1–3 years related experience

Experience with developmentally disabled population preferred

Education or school district experience preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Student Career Advisor is responsible for providing in school transition services. This position will serve Merrillville High School. This position would serve East Porter County School District.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one classroom instruction and worksite services, which may include career explorations, job readiness, job shadowing, mentoring post-secondary education opportunities, situational assessments, self-advocacy, vocational exploration, and work experience opportunities in the community.
• Responsible for developing a caseload of students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) within the assigned school
• Responsible for creating and maintaining a consistent schedule with students to meet scheduled hours and meet the goals of the students and program
• Assist Transition Team to meet established goals outlined in the Request For Funding (RFF) and Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation contract.
• Advocate for and pursue services as appropriate to meet the individual needs of students
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with teachers and faculty, with local employers, students, parents, co-workers and others as appropriate
• Become familiar with student specific information by attending conferences and reading files and Individual Education Plan (IEP) prior to onset of services
• Monitor and document student progress with focus on struggles and successes
• Ensure that daily documentation is completed
• Maintain production at a level to meet program goals
• Attend and participate in department, division, and agency meetings required
• Meet with local businesses to establish assessment sites when necessary
• Maintain necessary documentation, data, and reports as required by Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged sitting
• Prolonged standing
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Flexibility to ever changing schedules and shifts
• Strong ability to problem solve
• Must be able to work independently
• Handle confidential matters with discretion

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma
• 1-3 years’ experience in related field preferred
• Experience with developmentally disabled population preferred
• Education or school corporation experience preferred

About Opportunity Enterprises

Founded in 1967, we are a nonprofit organization that strives to help individuals with developmental disabilities reach their greatest potential and live full, enriching lives. Our vision is to create a fully integrated community where life for persons with developmental disabilities is valuable, purposeful, and fulfilling. We believe it is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals we serve by accepting people as they are and supporting them in achieving their fullest growth and development. We know that well-trained and motivated staff is at the core of helping us achieve our vision. Our employees work hard to ensure that our clients are heard and given the resources they need to be self-sufficient. To show our appreciation, we strive to provide a positive work environment that encourages innovation and change to help our employees continuously learn and grow.