Ignite Futures as Our Next Career Navigator!

Are you passionate about shaping the careers of tomorrow’s workforce? Join us as a Career Navigator, where you’ll become the driving force behind student success in our dynamic job training program. In this pivotal role, you will customize and deliver innovative curricula that empower students to master the skills they need for competitive, integrated employment.

As an industry expert, you will collaborate closely with Transition Coaches to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world job opportunities. You’ll guide students on their journey, helping them define their career goals and develop the essential skills that lead to success. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and champion the aspirations of future professionals, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary: The Career Navigator customizes and delivers curricula to prepare students to learn the skills needed to attain competitive integrated employment. The Career Navigator serves as an industry expert within Aspire’s job training program. In partnership the Transition Coach, the Career Navigator connects real industry jobs with Aspire’s job seekers and partners with each student to create career goals and strategies and teach relevant skills within the industry. 

Position Responsibilities: The following represents the primary position responsibilities, but other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned. 

Instruction 

• Facilitate the training of both simulated work and soft skills development related to career readiness in partnership with Transition Coach. 
• Implement evidence-based teaching practices such as parallel instruction, monitoring teachers, and differentiated split class. 
• Develop curricula in program area to meet specific standards/norms. 
• Prepare lesson plans and training schedules. 
• Partner with Transition Coaches to evaluate/assess each student for interests, dreams, goals, skill strengths and areas of needed skill development. 
• Assess each student on hard and soft skills. Track areas of growth and areas of need. 
• Create and score outcome measurements and tools. 
• Stay up-to-date with most effective teaching tools and methodologies related to industry best practices. 

Career and Goal Support 

• Develop plans and recommendations for student career goals. 
• Maintain familiarity with industry standards and implement accordingly. 
• Transport students as needed according to schedule. 
• Assist with onsite job experiences both within Aspire’s setting and offsite at community employers.

Communication and Collaboration 

• Ensure proper record documentation by completing and monitoring student goal tracking. 
• Communicate concerns to appropriate interdisciplinary team members to support individual needs, goals, and growth. 
• Attend professional development sessions. 
• Complete all required paperwork and assignments accurately and in a timely manner 
• Progress and collaborate with students and their support teams for effective personal development planning. 
• Serve as a content expert/training as assigned. 
• Comply with quality and compliance initiatives and protocols. 

Reporting to this Position: None 

Required Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferably Special Education. 
• 2 years’ experience working in a classroom setting. 

Additional Licensing/Certifications: 

• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record 

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from families, team members, and the general public. 
• Ability to maintain confidential information. 
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with students, team members at all levels, families, and the general public. 
• Ability to influence others through collaboration. 
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office – Word, Excel (including formulas, graphs, and pivot tables), Power Point and Outlook, with an ability to become familiar with emerging programs and software. 
• Ability to design evidence-based, multi-modal learning curricula for a diverse audience. 

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• QIDP certified or certification eligible 
• DSP certification 
• Working directly with people who have developmental disabilities. 

Aspire Values (POWER): 

P = We believe anything is possible 

O = We all own it 

W = We welcome everyone 

E = We evolve and try new things 

R = We build powerful relationships 

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Pay and Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. 

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5777