Program Coordinator, Career Partnerships

The Research Program Coordinator of Career Partnerships role is part of the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for assisting the career development team in administering student workplace supports, coordinating student internship and employment opportunities, and evaluating the program’s career development initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Director of Career Development, the Research Program Coordinator of Career Partnerships will plan and develop community internship and employment opportunities, provide individualized job development supports for students and community employers, expand employer relations efforts, support the career development team with data collection, and assist the Director of Career Development and Apprenticeships in program initiatives. This role will support the development and implementation of registered apprenticeships aligning with the program of study.

About the Work Unit
Ranked as the #1 Special Education Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade, our department has long been a leader both in research and practice.
The mission of the Department of Special Education is to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities through (a) the preparation of exceptionally competent teachers and researchers, (b) conducting research that informs and improves educational programs and behavioral interventions, and (c) leadership in professional associations and advocacy for persons with disabilities. We are committed to equipping students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide exceptional services and support to people with disabilities and their families.

About the Next Steps Program
Next Steps at Vanderbilt is the founding post-secondary education program in Tennessee. Based out of the nationally recognized Peabody College, Next Steps is an innovative postsecondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing individualized programs focused on academic, social, and career development. Our status as a Comprehensive Transition Program (designated by the U.S. Department of Education) recognizes the program’s merits and allows eligible students to apply for Federal Financial Aid for tuition assistance. We are committed to providing students with disabilities inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors. More information can be found at
https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/departments/nextsteps/.

 

Please note: A cover letter describing interest in the position must be included in your application materials. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead upperclasss students in identifying and developing individualized internship, employment, or RAP placements on a yearly basis. This may include:
- Providing one-on-one support to students with internship, employment, or apprenticeship search activities (i.e., including updating relevant employment documents, researching roles online, networking, drafting, and sending letters of interest to employers, completing online job applications, and preparing for interviews).
- Supporting students with any pre-hire paperwork and new hire orientation requirements prior to starting internships.
- Coordinating student internship, job, or apprenticeship schedules based on the needs of the placement site and the student’s schedule.
- Monitoring progress on and providing feedback for internship, job, or apprenticeship placements aligned with the career development scope and sequence, as determined by the Director of Career Development.

 - Provide consultative support to students and community employer partners. This may include:
- Delivering inclusive workplace training to campus employer partners, as needed.
- Developing individualized support tools and plans for natural workplace support with students and site supervisors.
- Communicating with all parties, checking in with the student and internship supervisor to ensure support needs are being met.
- Evaluating the student’s workplace skills and independence through weekly evaluations, collecting data on their professionalism, communication, transferable job skills, and specialized skills.
- Supporting the student and supervisor in conducting pre/post-placement performance reviews as an opportunity to discuss feedback, goals, and expectations.
- Supporting RAP partners as needed to ensure effective delivery of mentorship

- Develop RAP experiences. This may