The Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning seeks an IPSE Employment Support Specialist with experience working with youth and/or adults with intellectual disabilities, and a passion for supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building the skills necessary for meaningful, integrated employment. This role focuses on guiding students through individualized transition planning, fostering essential workplace behaviors, and promoting personal growth as they move toward competitive employment and engaged adult lives. This individual will work closely with staff in work sites across campus and within the community, as well as with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation to support successful transition to integrated employment or other engaged community opportunities after completion of the IPSE program.

The Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning is a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) designed for individuals ages 18-26 with an intellectual disability who are highly motivated to continue learning and acquiring skills to contribute meaningfully as a fully engaged participant in their communities. In addition to taking academic classes, engaging in preferred social experiences with their peers, and building independence skills, students in the program engage in intentional career exploration working on or off campus building professional and work-related skills. As part of a vibrant, mission-driven program housed within the Charter School of Education and Human Sciences, the IPSE Employment Support Specialist will join a collaborative team that includes the IPSE Director, IPSE Coordinator, ABA liaison, peer mentors, and campus/community partners. The Berry College Program for Inclusive Learning is the first and only IPSE program in Georgia at a private college, offering a rich environment where students learn, work, and thrive alongside their peers. Collaboration with campus resources such as the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), the Berry College Center for Integrity in Leadership (BCIL), and the Office of Belonging and Community Engagement enhances opportunities for career exploration and skill development.

This part-time,10-month position (15 hours/week, August–May) involves supporting young adults with ID to develop workplace skills, coordinating with Vocational Rehabilitation, supporting job coaches, conducting employer outreach, tracking alumni employment outcomes, and assisting with person-centered planning and recruitment events. This position involves primarily in-person on campus work with some light travel visiting potential local job sites and representing the program at transition fairs and related community events. The IPSE Employment Support Specialist will collaborate with the IPSE Program Director and IPSE Coordinator to support peer mentors as well as directly working with students in the IPSE program.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ideally in transition or employment settings. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Experience working with Vocational Rehabilitation is desirable. Successful applicants will demonstrate strengths in communication, interpersonal skills, time management, record-keeping, working collaboratively, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Knowledge of career development, job supports, person-centered planning, and community-based employment services is particularly desired.

ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE

Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry’s educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. Our mission and values are grounded in the ethic that our founder instilled more than a century ago:

We educate the head, heart, and hands – to inspire leaders of integrity who cultivate thriving communities. Combining academic exploration with meaningful work responsibilities in a residential setting, our approach emphasizes firsthand experiences and mentoring. We invest in the personal growth and professional preparation of talented students from varied backgrounds, with an enduring commitment to help those hindered by financial need. Guided by Christian principles, we value the dignity of individuals, the search for truth tempered with grace, and the well-being of our neighbors.

Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business, physician associate studies, teacher education. The College’s stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry’s ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. An Equal Opportunity Institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interview or workplace accommodations are welcomed and can be directed to employment@berry.edu or (706) 233-4062.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this position, please use the official Berry College website found HERE.

Applicants should submit a letter of application describing the candidate’s interest in and relevant experience for this position; a resume; unofficial undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts; and names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Specific questions about the position may be sent directly to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Michelle Haney mhaney@berry.edu