The Student HireAbility Navigator will improve access to employment and training services and increase employment opportunities for students with disabilities. This position will be a resource in Dallas to support, expand, and enhance the provision of pre-employment transition services provided by TWC-Vocational Rehabilitation as well as other partners and programs administered by the Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas Workforce Development Board. By working with tasks outlines in categories such as capacity building and systems development, partnering and collaboration, and informing and engaging employers, the Navigator will increase the likelihood of students’ independence, inclusion in communities and competitive integrated workplaces and successful participation in postsecondary education experiences.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Capacity Building and Systems Development Responsibilities
- Increase community and system awareness of the resources and activities available to students with disabilities in the following five pre-employment transition services:
- job (career) exploration counseling;
- work-based learning experiences, which may include in school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible;
- 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, which may include peer mentoring.
- Develop and sustain relationships to promote awareness and availability of preemployment transition services and Workforce Solutions resources to schools, parents, and students.
- Promote the use of career exploration, postsecondary education planning, and work readiness tools.
- In consultation with Workforce Solutions and VR staff, local education agencies, parents and students with disabilities, employers, and community partners, develop effective and innovative strategies to:
- Improve the transition to postsecondary activities of students who are members of traditionally unserved and underserved populations.
- Expand or enhance the provision of the five required pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities
- Partnerships and Collaboration Responsibilities
- Identify, 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 regarding resources and activities available to assist students with disabilities to transition successfully to postsecondary education, employment, or both.
- Develop and coordinate events, campaigns, and other activities that promote the Texas HireAbility Campaign and that increase awareness of and access to pre-employment transition services.
- Represent Student HireAbility Navigator program by serving as a liaison between VR and Workforce Solutions Offices and the Board. Assist with VR related activities and ensure that programs developed are accessible and inclusive.
- Partner with Student HireAbility Navigators within the VR region and state to accomplish and expand program deliverables.
- Responsibilities to Inform and Engage Employers: In consultation and coordination with Workforce and Vocational Rehabilitation staff:
- 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, employment, apprenticeships and other employment opportunities.
- Conduct outreach and develop relations with business and industry organizations.
- Ensure required reporting and development of presentations are completed in a timely manner including, but not limited to, development of a three-year action plan and updates as needed to achieve contract deliverables and program goals.
- Comply with federal and state requirements regarding confidentiality of student and employer data.
- Ensure that state and/or local Vocational Rehabilitation staff receive the data and information necessary to fulfill federal reporting requirements.