Career Advisor Senior

About the Role

The Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) program at the University of Kansas provides specialized services and support to KU undergraduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position is integral to the growth and sustainability of KU TPE, focusing on career development and employment outcomes through direct service, leadership, systems change, and advocacy. The TPE Career Advisor Senior will lead the career development/employment pillar of KU TPE by coordinating activities related to career development, securing paid employment and internships for students, facilitating employer partnerships, and collecting program-level data.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall day-to-day coordination of program activities focusing on career development and employment to ensure timely completion. Lead TPE program activities related to student career development, including development of marketing/informational materials, data tracking, career coaching, and external partnerships.
• Collaborate with other TPE staff to align services for individual students and support program-level activities (e.g., information sessions, aligning classes with career goals, TPE credential development, participation in TPE Early Prep, JumpStart, and FutureU@KU camp).
• Research and implement evidence- and research-based methods for providing high-quality employment and career development experiences in inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with IDD.
• Secure career internships, paid student jobs, and other experiential learning opportunities based on students’ individualized career goals.
• Meet with students weekly to provide career counseling, refine career goals, and identify individualized strategies for success.
• Select, administer, and interpret career assessments to identify student preferences, interests, and needs.
• Assist students in developing employment and internship application materials, including resumes, cover letters, and references lists.
• Develop and implement accommodations, job aids, and other supports needed by students or employers.
• Use effective practices to help develop employment opportunities for students with limited employment experience.
• Support workplace supervisors and co-workers; may provide on-the-job support to students.
• Provide career development and employment instruction to students, including teaching C&T 175 (career development) and C&T 220 (career internship). Develop and refine curriculum, provide accommodations, and adjust materials as needed.
• Coordinate with other KU units regarding career development instruction on campus.
• Develop and coordinate partnerships with career development units, employers, and community employment service providers to foster internship and integrated employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with KU TPE students and their families to help them achieve career-related goals.
• Guide the Career Advisor-Job Coach and student employees to fulfill their duties related to student career development and employment.
• Collect and maintain career/employment-related recordkeeping, evaluation, and reporting information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience, or Master’s degree with a minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with young adults with disabilities in employment, transition planning, or community-based services.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working independently and with collaborative teams.
• Strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Previous experience working in a postsecondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Professional experience supporting others to obtain employment.
• Experience providing coaching and/or positive behavior supports and reinforcement.
• Experience making appropriate accommodations, adaptations, or modifications for individuals with IDD.
• Experience with KU units and processes.
• Experience teaching or providing instruction (in a course, seminar, workshop, training, etc.).
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Schedule

Some travel is required, and occasional work outside of typical Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM hours is expected.

Benefits

• Up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year.
• 96 hours of sick leave earned per year.
• Nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day.
• Retirement program.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Other benefit plan options.
• State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors.
• Educational and professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance for up to 12 credit hours per year and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities.

Pay

Advertised salary range: $37,440–$43,680 for 0.75 FTE.