Workplace Readiness Specialist

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits.  We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. 

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. 

The purpose of the Workplace Readiness Specialist is to assist and instruct high school students in the five Pre-ETS services to prepare for paid or non-paid work and/post-secondary learning.  

• Work with the Local Education Agency (LEA) Transition School to Work (TSW) grant team members to decide on the skills that will be taught at the high school level, including developing resumes, developing a reference contact list, filling out applications, mock interviews, etc. 

• Work with high school students to improve their skills in seeking, preparing for, and maintaining competitive, integrated employment in both group and individual settings to increase and enhance skill development. 

• Assist each student in determining what workplace and life skills that are needed for becoming and staying employed. 

• Implement chosen curricula selected by the LEA TSW team. 

• Assist each student in both individual and group activities in completing career interest inventories and in-depth Career Exploration activities to determine employment opportunities. 

• Identify strengths and deficiencies that each student is experiencing in the areas of professional work behavior, communication, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking and develop ways to help the student enhance their strengths and correct the deficiencies. 

• Conduct independent living, hygiene, and grooming training in both group and individual settings. 

• Prepare students for Work Based Learning and communicate any reported/observed needs to the teacher, Transition Case Manager, Transition Coach and/or the Pre-ETS Specialist. 

• Understand and employ workplace safety procedures and ensure that students follow safety procedures at the worksite. 

• Teach recipients how to perform specific tasks and understand workplace policies while modeling appropriate workplace behavior. 

• Assist recipients in establishing an appropriate working relationship with co-workers and supervisors at the Work Based Learning site. 

• Monitor attendance and behavior of student to ensure progress toward measurable job readiness goals. Provide feedback to the student and Transition Case Manager. 

• Demonstrate creativity in developing methods of teaching job tasks and modifying processes to 

• accommodate the student’s barriers to employment. 

• Document recipient services monthly. Assist with completing Pre-ETS Individual Service Reports to report Pre-ETS services provided monthly. 

• Assist with the development and implementation of summer workshops (if applicable). Notify the Pre-TS Specialist of recipients attending any scheduled summer workshops. 

• Understand and keep up to date with new technology, community resources, and assistive devices available for people with disabilities. 

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor, and represent both Vocational Rehabilitation and the Local Education Agency in a positive manner at all times. 

• Attends work as scheduled and arrives to work on time. 

• Maintains confidentiality. 

• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures  

• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law and Code of Professional Conduct as defined by Board Policy 5.6011.  

• Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

• Attends meetings and training as required.  

Knowledge/Education/Experience: 

• High school diploma or GED required. 

• Must possess one of the following before reporting to work: (1) 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours; (2) An Associate’s degree or higher; (3) passing score on PRAXIS for Parapro Exam or HCS equivalent. 

• One (1) year experience in teaching or services to individuals with disabilities. 

• Has knowledge and skills to support the PreK-12 general curriculum. 

 
Skills/Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community member, etc.  

• Understand and keep up to date with new technology, community resources, and assistive devices available for people with disabilities.  

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor, and represent both Vocational Rehabilitation and the Local Education Agency in a positive manner at all times. 

• Basic technology skills required; general office/clerical experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

• Ability to learn and implement a variety of teaching strategies.  

• Demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills.  

• Ability to work collaboratively with students who have a variety of disabilities.  

Compensation: 
Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience. 

Minimum Salary - $16.94/hr 
Salary Scale 

Salary : $17