Position Summary:  

The Transition Specialist/Case Manager (consultant, independent contractor) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a robust portfolio of strategic relationships with local partners that will lead to providing more employment and post-secondary opportunities for Adult Education and Literacy and High School students. This case manager will serve as the liaison between the students, the district, and the partners, and will provide ongoing case management services that support transitioning students seeking employment and/or pursuing post-secondary education goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with St. Louis County Career Workforce Centers (Business Service Team), employers, and post-secondary/vocational training institutions to enable a smooth transition for AEL and High School (LLC) level students into their field of interest.
• Work in collaboration with community partners to implement an integrated career pathway structure through the use of a workforce system. That is, linking AEL students to the private sector and coordinating efforts with local partners identified under the WIOA law to streamline and avoid duplication of services.
• Enter into community partnerships that support AEL and High School (LLC) level students in the attainment of services that lead to employment and/or post-secondary education and training.
• Develop mechanisms to track student participation and performance in transition and bridge programs in order to evaluate efforts and improve effectiveness.
• Improve access to and the effectiveness of services for the purpose of assisting AEL High School (LLC) level students as they access employment, education/training, and support services that lead to industry-recognized post-secondary credentials and employment.
• Serve on local boards for the purpose of determining local workforce investment priorities that streamline, coordinate and align college and career readiness programs that support AEL High School (LLC) level students/graduates.
• Integrate the intake and case management process for students identified by their classroom teachers as being career or college ready by engaging employers across the workforce system and aligning training with needed skills.
• Provide them direct assistance to students who are identified as college or career ready by referring to the job center, establishing relationships with employers, and assisting with resumes, job applications, interviews, etc.
• Meet weekly or as needed with identified college and career-ready students to assist them in developing a post-secondary action plan that addresses barriers and identifies support services.
• Establish formal linkages to the college by serving as a dedicated transition consultant and assisting with the post-secondary admissions process and scholarship/FAFSA application process.
• Follow AEL and High School (LLC) graduates for one year through outreach and engagement activities and provide referral information to those who need services, job information, or additional educational opportunities.
• Keep a staff monthly time sheet, and statistical data.
• Attend all local and state workshops and staff development training required to maintain certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AEL Program

Performance, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to use technology resources to obtain workforce and vocational trainings/ post-secondary goals and objectives
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, administrators, faculty, staff, workforce, and the vocational/post-secondary community
• Knowledge of the post-secondary admissions process and scholarship/FAFSA application process. CSIP CCR Standards
• Knowledge of St. Louis County and City Workforce Development System (WIOA)
• Ability to participate in all AEL program orientations and student intake sessions
• Demonstrates skills necessary to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention issues.
• Knowledge of educational issues pertaining to English Language Learners and first-generation college students

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Adult Education, or related degree, supplemented by one to two years of related experience in career counseling or social service working with educationally disadvantaged adults or English Language Learners on career and educational pathways; OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with four to six years of related work experience. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Ability to develop and present ideas in a concise and engaging manner (to individuals and groups).
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Experience in planning and coordinating projects.
• Previous experience or equivalent in event coordination and planning
• Previous experience or equivalent in motivating individuals/groups toward a common goal