Manager of CareerAbility

Manager of CareerAbility

Department: CareerAbility
Reports To: Director of CareerAbility
Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt. Typically, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Flexible as assigned by supervisor. Occasional evenings and weekends as needed for special events or support.

Position Summary

CareerAbility at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. was founded to meet a vital element of Chapel Haven’s mission: meaningful employment for the individuals we serve. Meaningful employment is predicated upon an individual’s abilities and interests, should contribute to the individual’s quality of life, and should allow everyone to earn a competitive wage for their work.

As a key member of CareerAbility, the Manager of CareerAbility works closely with the Director of CareerAbility to inform, provide guidance, and assist in the development of the career advisement component of CareerAbility and its overall programs and services.

The Manager is also responsible for the day-to-day functioning of CareerAbility programming, including scheduling, monitoring support, and serving as a resource for colleagues both inside and outside of the department. Frequently serving as the initial point of contact for CareerAbility, the Manager recommends appropriate CareerAbility services and programs.

The Manager upholds CareerAbility’s principles of career exploration (Discovery), career training, pre-vocational opportunities, and job placement options that give job seekers a future with the greatest balance of financial payoff and job satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manages the intake/referral process into CareerAbility. Monitors and evaluates career advisement protocols within CareerAbility and makes recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Manages the advisement (or career counseling) of individuals on the CDM caseload by recommending personal and career development plans or necessary program modifications. Determines the need for career exploration (Discovery), training, internships, and/or job placements by developing a career pathway plan with the client.
• Administers, conducts, and evaluates assessments as needed. Offers continuous interpretation and evaluation of progress in an individual’s specific personal and career development plan, assigns career development advisor tasks, coordinates problem cases, and identifies areas in which guidance and development techniques can be improved.
• Uses knowledge of the ASD/DD population to evaluate IEPs and individualized plans, interpret medical and psychological data, and review previous clinical or educational assessments. Considers and evaluates education level, work history, personality, interests, and skills and suggests goals and careers that match an individual’s background, abilities, choices, and interests.
• Oversee completion of individual plans and manage designated advisors in developing profiles, employment plans, and job retention plans. Participate in Career Management Team meetings and ensure these documents are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Manages and maintains up-to-date documentation, progress notes, and records using SetWorks, as well as other systems of documentation. Sign daily documentation for direct reports. Contributes to, maintains, and updates CareerAbility databases for caseload tracking. Ensures confidentiality and up-to-date maintenance of all client reports and records.
• Provides supervision to Career Development Advisor(s) regarding performance and the personal and career development plans of assigned caseload. Perform supervisory duties over staff and administrative duties for the department, including evaluations, progress reports, billing, emergencies, and enrollments/terminations.
• Reviews, edits, and prepares reports, records, and instructional materials. Leads and presents information in key stakeholder and family meetings, training, and workshops. Communicate with families, employers, and internal stakeholders by mail and phone as required to resolve problems and assure the well-being of the caseload. Provides proper guidance to ensure “same page” systems, positive workplace experiences, and achievement in the program. Offers remediation with families and stakeholders as needed.
• Recommends supplies and resources needed for CareerAbility programs. Performs program development and supports the CareerAbility Strategic Plan. Assists with creating and contributing to CareerAbility curriculum, scheduling, programs, and training. Supports staff and individuals with identifying proper placement, onboarding into placements, placement success, and placement retention strategies.
• Reviews proposals and appropriate billing to families with Director’s approval. Supports billing processes as assigned.
• Acts as liaison with DORS, BOE, DDS, DSS, and any other external agencies/parties involved with career development for individuals on caseload. Refers clients to community resources, as appropriate.
• Works alongside department supervisors to create weekly support schedules and ensure they are up to date and accurate.
• Works alongside the Director to create, implement, and oversee organizational structures and procedures for the department.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities assigned by supervisor.

Why Consider a Career at CHSC?

At Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, we believe that the work our employees do makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals we serve.

• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer a full benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• A Culture of Community and Compassion: Be part of an organization committed to supporting individuals, families, and our broader community.
• A Warm and Professional Environment: Join a friendly and caring workplace that is professional, collaborative, and provides opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Staff Longevity: 50% of our staff have been with CHSC for five or more years, with many employees beginning in entry-level roles and developing fulfilling careers that span 10 years or more.
• Meaningful Work: Make a lasting impact by doing work that enriches the lives of others and supports individuals in achieving greater independence and meaningful employment.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working with young adults or adults with developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ideal candidate would have experience interpreting standardized assessments and reports, vocational/career development or transition services, data collection, and report writing. IEP and AAC knowledge is a plus but not required.
• Experience within career counseling or workforce development is desirable.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working with young adults or adults with developmental and social disabilities. Two years of teaching or leadership experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license, use of a personal vehicle, and proof of insurance required.