Career Transition Specialist chez Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc.

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection

Career Transition Specialist 

Full Time

New Haven, CT, US

Requisition ID: 1674

Salary Range: $23.50 Hourly

Schedule: 40 hours/wk., M-F 8am-4pm 

 Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster independence. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection, we want to hear from you!

Why consider a career at CHSC? 

Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

Flexible Opportunities: Part- time employees enjoy a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select Benefits may also be available.

Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement

Staff longevity and Development: over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5+ plus years, many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling, long-term careers spanning 10 plus years.

A culture of Community and Compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us and become part of the team that values professional growth, meaningful work, and in a culture of care.

The Role:

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 built on choice, contributes to quality of life, and allows individuals to earn a competitive wage for their work. CareerAbility’s career transition services are the core of what we do assuring individuals are matched with opportunities that fit their interests, skills, and needs, receive the support to acclimate to the work environment, and are set up for long-term success.

As a key member of the CareerAbility placement team, the Career Transition Specialist plays a crucial role in helping individuals explore careers and secure new paid employment or volunteer work. In this role, you will partner closely with career advisors, the job developer, and the supervisor to provide comprehensive support throughout the career transition process—including discovery, career exploration, job search, job training, job placement, skill development, and long-term job retention.

The Career Transition Specialist provides hands-on coaching and guidance during the critical first months on the job. You will build strong relationships with employers and community partners, implement tailored support strategies such as employer training, task analysis, and systematic instruction, and ensure each placement is a strong match for both the individual and the employer.

At CareerAbility, the Career Transition Specialist is not just a job coach—it’s an advocate, collaborator, and mentor who helps individuals achieve independence and thrive in meaningful employment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a career coach, assisting individuals with their adjustment and transition to the work environment by maintaining effective professional communication with employers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Develop Customized Employment (CE) opportunities that result in competitive, integrated employment tailored to both the individual’s abilities and the employer’s business needs.
• Collaborate with Career Development Advisors to identify goals, complete task analysis, and develop fade plans.
• Provide on-the-job support, observations/assessments, skill-building, and job-seeking support; assist with transportation arrangements when needed.
• Establish and maintain contact with employers, educators, and industry representatives; perform site development to support placements.
• Assist individuals one-on-one and in small groups with career coaching, job readiness, tutorials/workshops, and skill development.
• Facilitate employer and coworker training to promote workplace inclusion and accommodations.
• Represent CareerAbility at seminars/conferences; stay up to date on Employment First strategies and labor market trends.
• Advocate for participants while respecting confidentiality; lead and contribute actively to stakeholder meetings.
• Support staff training on job coaching expectations and employer requirements.
• Meet weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual benchmarks in accordance with CareerAbility’s goals and strategic plan.
• Complete progress notes, reports, and documentation accurately using CareerAbility’s database (Setworks).
• Collaborate with the Career Management Team to enhance programs and services.
• Develop and instruct Career Development and Enrichment courses as needed.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, ABA, Human Services, or related field; OR 5+ years of related coaching/industry experience.
• Experience with Customized Employment is strongly preferred; CE certification is a plus.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Knowledge of APSE & Employment First principles; familiarity with state and federal employee incentive programs.

· Strong communication skills (verbal and written).

· Patience, empathy, and the ability to teach and support adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

· Ability to balance the needs of both employers and job seekers.

· Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

· Flexibility to adjust schedule to meet placement needs.

· Proficiency in Word, Excel, databases, and web-based applications.

· Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and acceptable driving record (PSL preferred or ability to obtain).

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ+, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection