Career Pathway Navigator - Imperial Valley

POSITION PURPOSE

The Career Pathway Navigator provides individualized career counseling guidance and support to individuals enrolled in the DDS Coordinated Career Pathway Program. This position is responsible for assisting clients in exploring career pathways connecting with employment and education resources and overcoming barriers to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The Career Pathway Navigator works collaboratively with clients employers educational institutions and service providers to create a comprehensive career plan tailored to each individuals skills interests and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assist the client to develop their Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP) and assist in meeting the goals in the plan.

Conduct comprehensive career assessments to identify clients skills interests and employment goals.

Develop personalized career pathway plans incorporating education training and employment milestones.

Provide one-on-one and group career coaching sessions focusing on job readiness workplace expectations and career development strategies.

Assist clients in identifying and enrolling in vocational training programs community colleges or certification programs.

Guide clients through the job search process including resume development interview preparation and networking.

Establish partnerships with local employers workforce development agencies and educational institutions to create employment and training opportunities.

Assist clients with identifying generic resources to assist with reaching their goals in their PCCP plan.

Help clients access and utilize available employment support services accommodations and assistive technologies.

Advocate for clients workplace accommodations and ensure compliance with disability rights laws.

Provide guidance on navigating benefits (SSI food assistance housing) and work incentives to maximize financial independence.

Maintain accurate case notes progress reports and data on client outcomes.

Monitor clients progress toward career milestones and adjust strategies as needed.

Utilize data systems to track employment placements education enrollments and skill development.

Participate in IEP meetings in schools.

Work closely with program staff regional centers and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive service delivery.

Facilitate career exploration workshops employer panels and networking events for program clients.

Participate in team meeting

REQUIRED POSITION RELATED COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of generic resources in the community including Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation.

Knowledge of career counseling job development and workforce training for individuals with disabilities.

Familiarity with person-centered planning supported employment and community-based employment services.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage clients families and employer partners effectively.

Ability to analyze labor market trends and match clients with viable career paths.

Experience using case management and data tracking systems to document client progress.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Associates Degree with a minimum of 5 years experience working with individuals with a variety of

disabilities.

Bachelors Degree (Preferred) with a minimum of 3 years experience working with individuals with a

variety of disabilities.

Additional Requirements:

Complete a course or training in Person-Centered Thinking/Planning.

Obtain an ACRE certificate with an emphasis on Customized Employment (CE) or an APSE Certified

Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential.

Experience:

5 or more years experience supervising staff and managing a program/area.

Experience working in a non-profit sector (Preferred)

Experience working in the field of IDD (Preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain valid drivers license acceptable driving record and ability to travel within and throughout region where services are provided.

• Must complete and pass background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires employees to regularly stand walk sit talk and hear. Employees must be capable of writing using a computer keyboard telephone and related office equipment. Ability to lift 15lbs.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee will be working in community environments employment sites and office environments. The employee will experience normal office conditions with a well-lighted work area and minor noise from standard office equipment.