Work-Based Learning Network Coordinator - Voc Rehab Job Opening

This position provides continued opportunities to apply the best practices of the Intermediary Network for a targeted population. Increase collaborative efforts with school districts, special education programs, workforce center staff, business and industry, and local vocational rehabilitation counselors. Expand work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities in the targeted school districts through extensive work with local business and industry and in collaboration with the services and support needs of the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) counselor and school district staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Facilitates work-based learning experiences that include internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, work experiences, other training, tours, speakers, externships, career fairs, etc.
• Participates in discussions with representatives from community colleges, businesses, high schools, economic development, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), parents, and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) to discuss work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities.
• Provides job exploration counseling to identify work-based learning possibilities for students consistent with their areas of interest, including exploring business with potential career pathways and business sectors consistent with regional workforce demand areas.
• Coordinates with local workforce development boards and one-stop center businesses to develop work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Provides workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living as well as employment readiness consistent with feedback generated regarding business needs.
• Documents work results and data collection in reports to IVRS.
• Tracks each student with a disability who is served by a Voc Rehab Intermediary Network.
• Reports the number of students who participated in work-based learning experiences.
• Reports results of participants in paid or unpaid, credit or non-credit internships by career cluster, job title, wages (if paid), and number of hours worked.
• Lists and describes business involvement with work-based learning experiences.
• Prepares a report that incorporates student feedback regarding their work-based learning experience including any feedback from the business.
• Identifies and collects data on business and industry credentials awarded to students that document a participant’s involvement, progress and successful completion.
• Reports number of educators who tour local businesses in the community and related career clusters.
• Reports number of students who tour relevant training options in their region.
• Reports outcomes on students who participated in work-based learning experiences and enrolled in postsecondary training or planned to enter employment following graduation from the secondary school.
• Reports the number of businesses approached that resulted in a work-based learning opportunities consistent with a student’s disability, interests, preferences, aptitudes, and Individual Plan for Employment.
• Communicate monthly on progress for each individual served to IVRS counselor (IVRS counselor is assigned to specific secondary school).
• Provides quarterly reports on the IVRS Management Information System (IRSS) within 5 days of the end of each quarter.
• Promotes workforce training and education through appropriate marketing measures.
• Performs other professional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, social sciences, education, business or related area.
• Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with other agencies, higher education institutions, community based organizations, or business and industry.
• Considerable knowledge of community resources related to program(s) and services.
• Working knowledge of Iowa occupations and educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of academic, economic, social and cultural needs of disadvantaged students and community resources, and vocational resources available including ADA and Section 504.
• Knowledge of principles in working with special needs populations and special needs services available.
• Working knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and ability to work with confidential information.
• Exhibits professional judgment, problem solving, and decision making, interpersonal, and organizational skills; attention to detail; and excellent communication skills.
• Available to work flexible hours, evenings, and weekends.
• Experience with interviewing, advising, and case management.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Must be highly proficient using all Microsoft Office and/or Google programs.
• Ability to travel to and from appointments and meetings.

PREFERENCES:

• Background in placing students in work-based learning environments (e.g. internships, job shadows).
• Experience working with special needs populations.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Full time position with comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, vision, life, and LTD insurance, a Section 125 plan for medical and dependent care expenses; personal and sick leave; and a choice of retirement programs—IPERS (defined benefit) or TIAA (defined contribution). Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience. Anticipated hours will be flexible including evenings and weekends.

Application Procedure

Background checks and driving records are considered in all hiring decisions.

Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you are in need of any special accommodation in completing the application process, please email Human Resource Services.

Application materials are required and must be received in the Human Resource Services office by the application deadline in order to be considered for the position.

Apply Online