Outreach Counselor, Pre-Education & Training

VSAC is hiring for a Pre-ETS (Pre-Education and Training Services) Outreach Counselor!

Must have a valid driver’s license.

The Pre-ETS Outreach Counselor provides postsecondary education and training focused learning activities that relate to career exploration and awareness, postsecondary education and employability skills, and financial aid and literacy. This position will work closely with HireAbility Vermont, partner schools, and the VSAC Curriculum Lead to implement and develop learning activities that best meet the needs of students, schools, and HireAbility. (HireAbility is a state program helps disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful careers.)

This position is connected to HireAbility’s Pre-Employment Transition Services Program and is funded by HireAbility. This position will be working with Springfield, Hartford, Thetford, Rutland, Mt. Anthony, and Brattleboro high schools and potentially offering 7 postsecondary planning workshops to each school. In future years we hope to expand the work to reach more high schools and more students.

VSAC’s Outreach programs encourage and help Vermonters from modest income backgrounds or who may be first in their family to go on to education after high school, to pursue education or training beyond high school.

Responsibilities

School Based Work:

• Work with supervisor, school partners, and HireAbility to plan implementation of learning activities.
• Consistently and effectively communicate with all stakeholders.
• Develop and co-develop a curriculum plan to sequence learning activities.
• Develop and co-develop curriculum related to post-secondary training and education. Learning activities should be developed with student (related to accommodations and interests), HireAbility, and school partners needs in mind.
• Deliver learning activities to students with disabilities in group settings in-person at each contracted school site.
• Build relationships with students and staff at the identified school sites.
• Develop a system for feedback. Collect and reflect on feedback to integrate into practice.
• Organize and maintain a list of students that attend learning activities, dates and hours of service, and generate a summary of services in a timely manner to be submitted to HireAbility.
• Meet with HireAbility staff as needed to confirm documented services.
• Provide supervisor with updates and on-going assessment of progress.

Professional Knowledge:

• Establish and maintain accurate knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs, application and awarding processes, policy changes, Vermont postsecondary programs and related admission requirements, and technical training programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with schools, colleges, training programs, and other appropriate partners.
• Keep abreast of best practices and up-to-date information related to higher education, careers, special education, and college access.
• Participate in on-going VSAC based professional development.
• Represent VSAC at designated meetings, committees, and functions.

Supporting VSAC Curriculum:

• Work with the VSAC Curriculum Lead to maintain and update VSAC curriculum.
• Develop new curriculum based on identified needs.
• Attend monthly VSAC Curriculum Committee meetings.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, special education, or education. Master’s degree preferred or —
• A combination of 4-5 years of relevant experience (a combination of experience and education in working with youth in general, educational, and special educational settings, an awareness of the socioeconomic and academic needs of first-generation, modest-income students and families, a general understanding of adolescent development, special education, career development, post-secondary options, financial aid, and familiarity with public school systems.)
• Experience/Skills and/or years of specific experience:
• Three years of experience in counseling, special education, and/or education.

Experience facilitating online learning experiences.

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• An understanding of 504s and IEP plans and how to best accommodate for student needs.
• An understanding of the possible socioeconomic and academic needs of the students.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with different groups and balance the various needs of stakeholders.
• Ability to develop age-appropriate learning activities that use the VSAC curriculum map and takes into consideration the needs of stakeholders, as well as any accommodations for the students.
• Ability to develop learning activities that build on skills throughout the sequence.
• Advanced skills in operating computers, standard office equipment, and standard office software (Microsoft Office preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Must live in south-central or southern Vermont and commute to any of the school sites must be under 2 hours.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, along with satisfactory DMV motor vehicle check.

• Required to provide one’s own legally inspected, registered, and insured motor vehicle(s).

• Must have a satisfactory background check.

• When working away from VSAC offices, required to provide own workspace and furnishings.

You do not need to meet 100% of the experience and qualifications listed. If you are inspired by VSAC’s mission and excited about this opportunity, please apply!