Pre- Transition Site Coordinator

Company 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.

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.

• 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 the 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 multimedia 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…