College Student Support Specialist - Western MA

Position Overview

The College Navigators provide on-campus and virtual support to college students with disabilities as they adjust to academics without IEP accommodations and navigate campus living. This position requires onsite presence at UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College and Elms College. This position may also require on-site availability at other nearby colleges in Western Massachusetts.

Essential Functions

• Develop action plans each semester that addresses each student’s goals as they relate to their transition into college
• Provide 1:1 coaching to develop and support concrete goals in areas of higher education and independent living to meet each student's unique needs and encourage independence in all phases of the student’s program
• Support the student with executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, scheduling, etc.
• Identify potential barriers and problem-solve around them with students and college staff
• Create a supportive environment between the college and the student
• Advocate for the student by identifying their needs and explain them to college staff
• Maintain ongoing documentation related to monitoring and evaluating client progress on goals
• Communicate with referring agencies and program manager including monthly notes, weekly check-ins, and identifying and problem-solving challenges with clients
• Absorb and apply new information quickly

Other Functions

• When applicable, assist clients in the consistent and appropriate use of assistive technology as outlined in the action plan to develop greater self-sufficiency and functioning
• Review and discuss with the program manager potential referrals for other ESMA programs and services
• Provide ongoing program ideas for improvement to the program manager
• Attend transition-related conferences and represent Easter Seals Transition Services in local and state meetings, as requested by the program manager and/or director
• Solves routine administrative problems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; and/or Master's degree in related field
• Experience with young adults with disabilities preferred
• Knowledge of pertinent academic areas and learning situations including but not limited to secondary educational systems such as Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams) and Zoom video conferencing
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Work Habits

• Ability to work independently or in groups with minimal supervision
• Able to work standard hours between 8 am and 5 pm
• Ensure accurate administrative reporting as required
• Completes all assigned tasks and projects in a timely and thorough manner
• Able to relate to students, families, and professionals in a positive manner
• Flexible and able to work well with others
• Maintain open and effective communication
• Able to communicate effectively by phone and in person with professionals and clients with various disabilities
• Able to adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
• Able to organize projects, prioritize workflow, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately
• Able to accept assignments in a positive and proactive manner
• Able to accept constructive feedback and modify actions accordingly

At Easterseals MA, we champion diversity, inclusion, and equity

Easterseals Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We base all employment decisions on each individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other protected status under the law.