Student HireAbility Navigator - job 1 of 2

We help job seekers and career changers prepare for and advance in careers with a focus on sustainable, high-growth, high-demand industries. Our committed and well-trained workforce professionals deliver comprehensive workforce solutions at integrated career centers, sector-focused centers and community, and partner sites.

The purpose of the Student HireAbility Navigator is to improve access to employment and training services and increase employment opportunities for job seekers with disabilities.  This position will exclusively focus on services for students with disabilities who are in the early phases of preparation and transition to post-secondary education and employment. No direct supervisory duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Act as a resource coordinator to support, expand, and enhance the provision of pre-employment transition services that are provided by Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and other partners and programs in our region.
• Increase the likelihood of student independence and inclusion in communities and competitive, integrated workplaces and successful participation in postsecondary education experiences.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and promote systemic and collaborative strategies that result in the provision of quality pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
• Develop and sustain relationships with school districts and Region 9 Education Service Center to promote awareness and availability of pre-employment transition services and Workforce Solutions resources to schools, parents, and students.
• Convene partners, including school districts and Region 9 Education Service Center, to discuss successful strategies, services, and opportunities for collaboration to improve the quality and/or gaps in pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
• Maintain and renew 3-year action plan and goals required to file with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Including (but not limited to):
  • Develop effective and innovative strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary activities of students who are members of traditionally unserved and underserved populations.
  • Coordinate and/or monitor implementation of strategies developed.
• Increase community and system awareness of the resources and activities available to students with disabilities in 5 pre-employment transition services, including job (career) exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education, workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living, and instruction in self-advocacy.
• Promote the use of career exploration, postsecondary planning, and work-readiness tools available through TWC’s Labor Market and Career Information Department.
• Develop and/or disseminate information and resources to Workforce Solutions offices, local VR offices, Region 9 Education Service Center, employers, community partners, parents, and students.
• Convene and/or attend workgroups, committees, coalitions, and cross-agency teams to foster system and community coordination of pre-employment transition services and activities for students with disabilities.
• Provide information, training, and technical assistance to Workforce Solutions offices, local VR offices, school districts, Region 9 Education Service Center, community partners, and employers, regarding resources and activities available to students with disabilities to transition successfully to postsecondary education, employment, or both.
• Develop and coordinate events, campaigns, and other activities to increase and enhance student and family awareness of and access to pre-employment transition services provided by local VR offices, school districts, Region 9 Education Service Center, other Workforce Solutions programs, and community partners and resources.
• Organize events and activities to increase employers’ understanding of the abilities of students with disabilities.
• Provide training and/or resources to increase employers’ awareness of disability etiquette and accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with partner agencies to develop work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities, including internships, summer employment, other employment opportunities available throughout the school year, and apprenticeships.
• Ensure that state/local VR staff receive the data and information necessary to fulfill federal reporting requirements regarding the provision of pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities.
• Comply with federal and state requirements regarding confidentiality of student data.
• Participate in meetings called by TWC for training, information sharing, and program development and improvement.     
• Serve as a resource to workforce staff members to ensure the availability of comprehensive knowledge on federal, state, local, and private programs that impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to enter and remain in the workforce.
• Perform related work as assigned.

ACCESSIBILITY & COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that resources and materials developed are available in accessible formats for students who use screen reader software, screen magnification software, large print, and Braille.
• Ensure that reasonable accommodation is available and provided as requested for activities.
• Perform related work as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• One additional year of full-time qualifying experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of required education.
• Four years of full-time work experience preferred in the fields of education, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development programs, human services programs, or non-profit organizations serving students or persons with disabilities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel by air.
• Ability to travel for activities such as meetings with customers, other agencies, or any other necessity that requires travel.
• Must be able to provide self-transportation for regional travel and maintain a valid Texas motor vehicle driver’s license or permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.
• Must agree to maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR) and minimum requirement of insurability required by law. MVR background check may be conducted by the agency.

LANGUAGE

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret general business documents.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from a group of professionals, educators, and/or students.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to establish goals and objectives in an organized manner. 
• Keen sense of urgency and commitment to excellence with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter, willing to work independently yet take direction openly.
• Flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the business and of the communities we serve.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Equus Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce development services in North America. With a dedicated and passionate team, Equus puts the industry’s best practices to work by focusing on the development, design, and delivery of demand-driven workforce solutions.

When you join Equus, you can expect extensive learning opportunities and networking programs. But most of all you can expect to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

At Equus we are strengthened by diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. Equus Workforce Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or reprisal or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law.