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Career Transition Specialist


Job Location:

New Haven, CT - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 24 - 24
Posted: 18 October 2026 (6 days ago)
Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary


Dynamic Diversity Caring Collaboration Individual Integrity Community Connection

Career Transition Specialist

Full Time

New Haven CT US

Requisition ID: 1796

Salary Range: $24.10 Hourly

Schedule: Full-time 40 hrs/week 9am-5pm. Flexible as assigned by supervisor.

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster 2022 we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity caring collaboration individual integrity and community connection we want to hear from you!

Why consider a career at CHSC
  • Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
  • Flexible opportunities: Part-time employees enjoy a flexible schedule valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select benefits may also be available.
  • Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement.
  • Staff longevity and development: Over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5 years many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling long-term careers spanning 10 years.
  • A culture of community and compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community teamwork and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us and become part of the team that values professional growth meaningful work and a culture of care!

The Role:

CareerAbility at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Inc. was founded to meet a vital element of Chapel Havens mission: meaningful employment for the individuals we serve. Meaningful employment is predicated upon an individuals choice contributes to their quality of life and allows them to earn a competitive wage for their work. CareerAbilitys career transition services are the core of what we do ensuring individuals are matched with opportunities that fit their interests skills and needs receive the necessary support to acclimate to the work environment and are set up for long-term success.

As a key member of the CareerAbility placement team the Career Transition Specialist works closely with career advisors the job developers and the supervisor to support individuals exploring careers and starting new paid employment or volunteer work. The Career Transition Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals in all aspects of career transition: discovery career exploration job search job training job placement skill development/enrichment and job retention. This includes providing individuals with direct job coaching support during the first months on the job. The Career Transition Specialist establishes rapport and strong relationships with employers and other entities to ensure successful placements. They implement support strategies including employer training task analyses and systematic instruction to foster a strong match between the individual and the new employer.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Key position that assists individuals as a career coach with their adjustment and transition to the work environment specifically by maintaining effective and high-level professional communication with employers clients and key stakeholders.
  • Must have familiarity or comfort developing Customized Employment (CE) opportunities. This is a universal employment strategy that is especially useful for employment seekers with significant life complexities and barriers to employment such as a severe disability. CE strategies result in competitive integrated employment that is based on a determination of the strengths needs and interests of the employment seeker. The specific abilities of the individual are matched to the business needs of an employer. CE is a relationship between an employer and an employee that is negotiated to meet the needs of both parties.
  • In collaboration with the Career Development Advisor identifies/establishes goals of job seekers as well as task analysis and fade plans as needed.
  • Provides on-the-job support observations/assessments job seeking support skill building and assistance with transportation arrangements as necessary for career success (when public transportation cannot be arranged). Compiles data into usable employment profile and reports.
  • Establishes and maintains contact with employers educators and industry representatives. May perform site development as needed to support the placement of individuals.
  • Assists individuals one-on-one and in small groups to achieve their personal and career development goals. This may include facilitating career tutorials/workshops (virtually or in person) on-boarding job coaching assessments and/or working with employers to negotiate job duties that align with the skills and interests of the individual and the needs of the employer.
  • Facilitates on-the-job training supports and/or educates employers or coworkers with respect to the job seekers strengths accommodation requests and needs.
  • Represents CareerAbility at seminars/conferences such as trade and human services sponsored events stays abreast of employment first approaches/techniques and labor market trends. These meetings/events may or may not take place during regular business hours.
  • Advocates and communicates with other agencies with regard to confidentiality and participant needs. High level of meeting involvement with key stakeholders inclusive of leading meetings and actively contributing in verbal and written formats.
  • Supports staff training on CareerAbility and job coaching expectations as well as the employers requirements for the client and job coach on the work sites.
  • In a moderate to fast pace achieves weekly monthly quarterly and annual retention goals (and others) as prescribed and in accordance with CareerAbility benchmarks and strategic plan.
  • Completes progress notes reports and documentation as required. Documents consistently and accurately all client services activities and outcomes. Utilizes CareerAbilitys database software (Setworks) and tracking systems for short and long-term data reporting.
  • Collaborates on the development and enhancement of CareerAbility and in Career Management Team meetings.
  • Develop and instructs Career Development and Enrichment courses as needed.
  • Assists with individual job development and job search support.
  • Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities assigned by supervisor.
Experience and Qualifications:
  • Bachelors Degree in Education Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling ABA Human Services or related field and/or a minimum of five years related job coaching or industry experience.
  • Ideal candidates have experience with Customized Employment and a professional certificate.
  • Must be familiar with customized employment as defined by U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Disability Employment Policy and familiar with APSE & Employment First principles. Knowledge of state employer incentives and other incentive programs is important.
  • Must have excellent communication skills including verbal and writing skills.
  • Must have patience teaching ability and display empathy toward needs of individuals we serve and balance numerous essential relationships with stakeholders.
  • Knowledge and understanding of adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders and the employment challenges and opportunities for this population.
  • Is familiar with Employment First (APSE) Department of Developmental Services Department of Social Services Bureau of Rehabilitation and customized employment or apprenticeships as defined by U.S. Department of Labor & Office of Disability Employment Policy.
  • Ability to effectively balance the needs of two clients: the employer and CareerAbility job seeker/individual.
  • Ability to prioritize and organize information/tasks.
  • Willingness to flex schedule as needed to accommodate placement schedules.
  • Computer skills: Word Excel web-based and database experience required. This position requires strong computer skills.
  • High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Havens values.
  • Openness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedback.
  • Independent problem solver thrives under pressure and prefers variety in their work assignments.
  • Valid drivers license with personal vehicle and acceptable driving record. Daily use of insured and reliable personal vehicle. Public Service License (PSL) preferred or eligible to obtain.

Do not meet every single requirement Studies have shown that women LGBTQ and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!

Dynamic Diversity Caring Collaboration Individual Integrity Community Connection






Required Experience:

IC


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Explore Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC) programs that help neurodivergent individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, down syndrome and other developmental and social disabilities live, learn, work, and thrive.

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