DES- Career Counselor

Description

Career Counselor 

Position Summary

The Career Counselor / Life Education Instructor is responsible for delivering all components of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Life Education curriculum within The Shop. This position supports KCARC's mission by advocating for and providing opportunities that promote the dignity, respect, and overall well-being of individuals with disabilities and their families. The instructor fosters skill development, independence, and community engagement through person-centered educational and employment-focused services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Support KCARC's Quality Management System by continuously striving to improve the delivery of services and programs while meeting or exceeding customer and regulatory requirements.

Demonstrate and promote KCARC's mission and core values through professional conduct, collaborative relationships, honest communication, inclusive decision-making, and shared accountability.

Provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), life skills instruction, and individualized training to assigned participants in accordance with program guidelines and billable service requirements.

Deliver instruction using least restrictive and least invasive prompting techniques designed to maximize participant independence and self-determination while minimizing reliance on direct staff intervention.

Maintain flexibility and adaptability in meeting participant needs, implementing individualized goals, and supporting future planning activities for assigned caseloads.

Complete accurate, timely, and detailed documentation of billable services and participant progress. Maintain an average of 85% client-specific work time weekly, as determined by program needs and the discretion of the Director of Day and Employment Services.

Assist the Pre-ETS Coordinator in maintaining a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate educational environment.

Support the implementation of individualized training plans, assessments, task analyses, community resource assessments, and data collection activities to monitor participant progress and outcomes.

Provide transportation assistance for students and adult participants as needed.

Administer medications in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations to meet participant needs.

Assist participants with personal care and hygiene needs while preserving dignity, privacy, and independence.

Perform cleaning and facility maintenance duties as assigned by the Pre-ETS Coordinator to ensure a safe and organized environment.

Comply with all KCARC policies, procedures, work instructions, and regulatory requirements while contributing to quality improvement initiatives and organizational goals.

Provide appropriate leadership, support daily operations, and assist with facility management responsibilities at The Shop as directed by the Pre-ETS Coordinator.

Participate in all required staff meetings, professional development activities, and in-service training programs.

Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with school personnel, the Knox County Special Education Cooperative, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, community partners, and other program stakeholders.

Foster positive relationships with participants' families, guardians, advocates, and support networks to encourage meaningful involvement in service planning and goal development.

Safely and frequently lift and move up to 75 pounds independently and assist with lifting items exceeding 75 pounds when necessary.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Work Schedule Requirements

Additional hours may be required based on program needs, special events, participant schedules, or operational demands. Flexibility in scheduling is expected, and overtime or extended hours may be mandatory when necessary.

Physical Requirements

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.

Ability to safely lift up to 75 pounds independently and over 75 pounds with assistance.

Ability to transport participants and accompany them during community-based activities as needed.

Writing Improvements Made

Professionalism: Replaced informal phrases such as "Be Flexible, Adaptable, Innovative and Creative!" with competency-based language that reflects professional expectations.

Clarity: Organized duties into concise, action-oriented statements that clearly define responsibilities.

Consistency: Standardized terminology related to participants, services, documentation, and instructional practices.

HR Compliance: Added structured headings and language commonly used in formal job descriptions while maintaining the original intent and responsibilities of the position.

Requirements

Qualifications

Maintain reliable transportation for use during work hours, a valid driver's license, and proof of current automobile liability insurance.

Demonstrate the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet departmental and organizational needs.

Maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene standards.

Exhibit strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.

Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrate tact, empathy, and professionalism when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with employees, clients, community partners, and stakeholders.

Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications.

Accept responsibility for assigned duties while exhibiting initiative, accountability, and leadership qualities.

Effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience working within an educational setting is preferred.

Additional college coursework, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree is considered a plus.

Experience and/or formal training in job placement, task analysis, job analysis, data collection and recordkeeping, and workplace training is required.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to maintain accurate, detailed, and timely case documentation.

Must demonstrate insight, flexibility, sensitivity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to supporting youth and adults in achieving their employment and personal development goals.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations

Medication Administration Certification (Core A and Core B), or the ability to obtain certification within established agency timeframes.

Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within established agency timeframes.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Frequently alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.

Perform repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, and arms.

Regularly engage in bending, twisting, turning, reaching, and lifting activities.

Ability to safely lift, move, and carry materials or equipment as required by job duties.

Work Environment

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and varying outdoor weather conditions.

The work environment is generally characterized by moderate noise levels, with occasional exposure to louder environments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including vinyl or latex gloves, may be required based on job responsibilities and workplace conditions.

Employee may work in a variety of settings, including office, community, educational, and vocational environments.