Career Preparation Specialist

EUPISD is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISD) in Michigan. Every one of the state's 500+ local school districts is part of an ISD. The EUPISD is a regional education service agency with the primary function to provide or assist our local districts to provide special programs and services. Within our ISD, there are 19 districts covering 4,000 square miles in three counties and part of another in the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The total number of PK-12 students is 6,500. The EUPISD is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds. The voters of EUPISD have approved a 1.75mill levy for special education, a .2 mill levy for general operations, and 1.0 mill levy for vocational education. State aid received is based on annual authorizations from the state legislature. Our current budget is $42million.

The EUPISD currently has 235 employees/contractors providing services to our local districts and students. The EUPISD serves local districts by providing educational services and support in special education, curriculum, early childhood, career and technical education, professional development, business services and technology. The EUPISD also pursues business, community, and interagency collaboration. The EUPISD has a long history of collaboration with our local districts that has resulted in the creation of a strong infrastructure in support of all aspects of teaching, learning, compliance, and fiscal management.

The Career Preparation Specialist provides career awareness, career exploration, employment preparation, transition, and work-based learning services for secondary students with disabilities. The Career Preparation Specialist supports students in developing the knowledge, skills, experiences, and self-advocacy necessary for successful transitions to postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living. The position works collaboratively with students, families, educators, employers, and community partners to facilitate meaningful career development experiences and improve post-school outcomes

190 days per year, 7.5 hours per day

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, rehabilitation counseling, workforce development, human services, social work, psychology, or related field preferred
• Experience working with secondary-aged students preferred
• Knowledge of career development, employment preparation, transition planning, and work-based learning practices
• Strong organizational and time management skills, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, diligent work habits, and the ability to apply common sense to routine decision-making
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, employers, school personnel, and community partners
• Ability to maintain self-control and complete tasks with frequent interruptions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Must have regular and reliable attendance
• Ability to carry and move heavy objects and lift 40 pounds
• Possess a valid driver's license

• Provide career awareness, career exploration, and employment readiness activities for students with disabilities
• Assist students in identifying strengths, interests, preferences, support needs, and postsecondary goals
• Provide instruction and coaching in workplace readiness skills including communication, professionalism, self-advocacy, time management, problem solving, interviewing skills, resume development, and job application completion
• Coordinate and facilitate work-based learning opportunities including job shadowing, career exploration activities, internships, community-based work experiences, and other employment-related experiences
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers and community organizations to expand career learning opportunities for students
• Conduct worksite visits and monitor student progress during work-based learning experiences
• Assist students in understanding workplace expectations and developing skills necessary for competitive integrated employment
• Support implementation of transition-related goals and activities for students with disabilities
• Participate in educational planning meetings and collaborate with educational teams regarding transition and career preparation activities
• Assist students and families in identifying…