Summary

ThinkSelf is committed to providing the highest quality, client centered and strength based services. The Pathways Specialist will be responsible for working with participants to identify and achieve academic and career goals, provide ongoing transition support, and assist them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from succeeding in class. The Pathways Specialist will be the single point of contact for participants looking for existing resources and services, such as VRS and advocacy services. They will assist teachers and learners in the classroom and provide navigation services by working with students to identify their academic and career goals. The Pathways Specialist will also support learners with tasks to increase independence skills, such as transportation training, systems navigation, self-advocacy skills, and fulfill basic needs.

Essential Functions

Meet with new students for registration, orientation, and assessments
Check for and respond to phone or email messages from students who are absent that day and may need support
Communicate with instructors to share information and updates on specific students who may need support
Research and contact agencies who may be able to provide support or services a student may need
Meet with students who want to share concerns
Assist students with completing relevant paperwork
Discuss career options with students
Collect and compile pertinent student information, such as GED scores, Accuplacer scores, financial aid application results, etc.
Meet with and counsel students who are behaving inappropriately in class
Develop ideas and plans with instructors and program Coordinator regarding the most effective ways to motivate and encourage students
Meet with participants one-on-one to talk about their goals and how to reach them
Support participants directly or find a college resource who can help with the logistics of enrollment, financial aid, and registration
Describe career pathways and academic programs required at various stages
Talk with students about general interests, hobbies, etc., and how they may relate to the student’s education and career aspirations
Plan and conduct individualized transportation training for students
Enter information into the WorkForce One database and communicate updates with program Coordinator
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

High level of ethics and commitment to the ThinkSelf mission
Must be able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to motivate and encourage multi-level learners
Ability to work in bilingual-bicultural team environment and utilize Bi-Bi teaching philosophy
Fluency in ASL, minimum language communication and written English required.
Ability to write reports and routine correspondence
Demonstrated ability to use the computer: Experience in Microsoft Office software required.

Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher
Three years of professional experience supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners (preferred)
Must have access to reliable transportation to travel to and from assignments, as needed
Ability to communicate effectively in American Sign Language

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This position is largely self-directed and requires understanding and compliance with company policies, procedures, and values. The position works in both community settings and a standard office environment utilizing a computer and standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, interact collaboratively with the team and stakeholders, and communicate via phone or videophone.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employee’s abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. If such a situation should arise the employee should notify their supervisor to find help with lifting any item regardless of weight if the object to be lifted is awkward or difficult to lift in any way.

ThinkSelf strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, familial or marital status, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. These statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of this position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. ThinkSelf is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Five-Year Narrative