Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist - NE Region

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

University of MO-Columbia

Job Summary:

This position supports the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirement for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to collaborate with Local Educational Agencies (LEA) to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to eligible students with disabilities in Missouri secondary schools. This role involves working closely with LEAs, VR, and community partners to prepare students for employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

Key Responsibilities:

Job Exploration Counseling

• Develop and assess student career interests using tools like Missouri Connections.
• Provide insights on in-demand jobs and local labor markets.
• Coordinate job-shadowing experiences and job field days.

Postsecondary Education Counseling

• Guide students on training and college options relevant to their career paths.
• Facilitate visits to college disability support services and educate on accommodations.
• Assist students and families with financial aid processes.

Workplace Readiness Training

• Teach critical work skills such as punctuality, teamwork, and communication.
• Assist with transportation planning and financial literacy.
• Coordinate mock interviews, assist with resume development, and provide feedback when needed.

Work-Based Learning Experiences

• Collaborate with LEA staff, VR counselors, and local businesses to create work-based learning experiences in the school or community.
• Arrange job shadows and business tours to introduce students to careers.
• Facilitate learning through simulated work experiences in the classroom.

Self-Advocacy & Peer Mentoring

• Promote self-determination and self-advocacy skills.
• Support peer mentoring opportunities, including Youth Leadership Forum.
• Facilitate real-life self-advocacy skill development.

Additional Information:

• Requires home-office setup and up to 75% travel to assigned school districts.
• This position is not located in Columbia, MO; applicants must reside in the designated service area.

Position Requirements:

Applicants must live and serve in the assigned Pre-Employment Transition Services area and be willing to work from a home office. This position requires up to 75% travel to designated school districts and is not based in Columbia, MO.

Pre-ETS Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 3–4 years, including at least two years in teaching or counseling, with frequent interaction with state agencies, school staff, and students in Missouri secondary schools.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in Education or related field preferred. A current MO teaching certificate or substitute teacher certification is required, with preference for Special Education certification.
• Preferred Skills: Experience with transition-age youth, familiarity with disability programs (vocational rehabilitation, special education), career pathways, and strong skills in communication, organization, relationship-building, and leadership.

This is a full-time benefit eligible position.

40 hours per week, 12 months per year

Monday - Friday; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Associate's degree in early childhood education, child development or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Grant funded salary range for this position: $50,000 to $54,767 annually

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: Child Development Teacher

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in MyHR.

In addition to the full University application, all applicants must include a current resume, cover letter specific to this position, and a list of references which must include at least two previous supervisors (note: references will not be contacted until after an interview has been conducted).

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.