Pre-ETS Specialist - North Area​/Central Region Remote w

Pre-Employment Transition Services

College of Education & Human Development

University of MO-Columbia

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 students with disabilities in Missouri secondary schools. This role involves working closely with LEAs, VR, and community partners to prepare students for employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.

• Develop and assess student career interests using tools like Missouri Connections.
• Provide insights on in-demand jobs and local labor markets.
• Help students identify and explore careers of interest in their communities or geographic regions.
• Facilitate learning through simulated work experiences in the classroom.

• Guide students on college training options relevant to their career paths.
• Facilitate visits to college disability support services and educate on accommodations in higher education.
• Educate and assist students with financial aid processes.

• 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.

• Collaborate with LEA staff, VR counselors, and local businesses to create work-based learning experiences in the school or community.
• Arrange job shadows, business tours, and guest speakers to introduce students to careers.
• Facilitate learning through volunteer experiences in the community.

• Promote self-determination and self-advocacy skills.
• Support peer mentoring opportunities, including Youth Leadership Forum.
• Facilitate real-life self-advocacy skill development.

Regional Assignment and Travel Requirements:
Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialists are assigned to specific high schools and service regions by the Pre-ETS Director based on programmatic, staffing, and service-delivery needs. Assignments may be modified or reassigned by the Director when necessary to meet the operational needs of the Pre-ETS Program.

Specialists are required to live within their designated service area and are responsible for providing services across all assigned school districts and communities.

Extensive travel is an essential and required function of this position. Specialists must be willing and able to travel up to 75-100% of their work time, as necessary, to assigned school districts, schools, businesses, community partners, student activities, meetings, and other locations necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

A valid Missouri driver's license, the ability to travel extensively, and flexibility in scheduling are required conditions of the position.

Requires a home-office setup.

This position is not located in Columbia, MO; applicants must reside in the designated service area.

Monday through Friday

7:00 am to 3:30 pm, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, or 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, to align with school district schedules as approved by the Pre-ETS Director.

100% FTE, 12 month appointment

An 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.

Experience:

Minimum of 3-4 years, including at least two years in teaching or counseling, with frequent interaction with state agencies, school staff,…