Provide on-campus and virtual support to college students with disabilities to help them adjust to academics and independent living. Develop action plans, provide 1:1 coaching on executive functioning, and advocate for students with college staff.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field and reliable transportation for commuting between campuses. Experience with young adults with disabilities and proficiency in learning management systems and Microsoft Office are preferred.
ESMA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. Join our team to make an immediate and powerful impact in the lives of the clients we serve!
College Navigator / College Student Support Specialist
Are you interested in providing on-campus support to college students with disabilities as they navigate campus life and adjust to college? Easterseals Massachusetts continues to expand its very successful College Navigator program throughout the state. The College Navigator team offers a supportive environment with comprehensive new hire training through job-shadowing with other experienced members of the team to set up new team members and the students they support for long-term success.
Position Overview
College Navigators provide on-campus and virtual support to college students with disabilities as they adjust to academics without IEP accommodations and navigate campus living. This position requires onsite presence at UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College and Elms College. This position may also require on-site availability at other nearby colleges in Westen Massachusetts.
Applicants should have full-time availability Monday-Friday with the ability to start as early as 8 am and go as late as 5 pm depending upon student schedules. Applicants should have or their own daily reliable transportation to commute between campuses on a daily basis. Compensation rates for candidates with a Bachelor's degree is $26/hour and $29/hour for those with a Masters degree working a 35-hour workweek.
Essential Functions
Develop action plans each semester that addresses each student’s goals as they relate to their transition into college
Provide 1:1 coaching to develop and support concrete goals in areas of higher education and independent living to meet each student's unique needs and encourage independence in all phases of the student’s program
Support the student with executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, scheduling, etc.
Identify potential barriers and problem-solve around them with students and college staff
Create a supportive environment between the college and the student
Advocate for the student by identifying their needs and explain them to college staff
Maintain ongoing documentation related to monitoring and evaluating client progress on goals
Communication with referring agencies and program manager including monthly notes, weekly check-ins, and identifying and problem-solving challenges with clients
Ability to meet expectations, standards, and protocols of work sites and referring agencies
Assist students with navigating online learning platforms including, but not limited to Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle
Help students understand the current college culture and expectations
Other Functions
When applicable, assist clients in the consistent and appropriate use of assistive technology as outlined in the action plan to develop greater self-sufficiency and functioning
Review and discuss with the program manager potential referrals for other ESMA programs and services
Provide ongoing program ideas for improvement to the program manager
Attend transition-related conferences and represent Easter Seals Transition Services in local and state meetings, as requested by the program manager and/or director
Resolves routine administrative problems
Adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
Regular interfacing with students, families, disability professionals, and educators
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field required; and/or Master's degree in related field
Experience with young adults with disabilities preferred
Knowledge of pertinent academic areas and learning situations including but not limited to secondary educational systems such as Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams) and Zoom video conferencing
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
TB test and health documentation clearing for work
COVID-19 vaccine (strongly preferred due to campus policies)
Work Habits
Ability to work independently or in groups with minimal supervision
Able to work standard hours between 8 am and 5 pm
Ensure accurate administrative reporting as required
Completes all assigned tasks and projects in a timely and thorough manner
Ability to relate to students, families, and professionals in a positive manner
Flexible and able to work well with others
Maintain open and effective communication
Ability to communicate effectively by phone and in person with professionals and clients with various disabilities
Able to adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
Ability to organize projects, prioritize workflow, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately
Accepts assignments in a positive and proactive manner
Accepts constructive feedback and modifies actions accordingly
At Easterseals MA, we champion diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We welcome a broad spectrum of individuals. We celebrate unique perspectives and strive to dismantle barriers that hinder individuals from reaching their full potential.
We actively engage with our staff, volunteers, partners, and the broader community to promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration. Collectively, we are changing the way the world defines and views disability, making profound and positive differences in people’s lives every day. By beginning with our diverse workforce, we demonstrate our commitment throughout the commonwealth.
Together, we can create a workplace where everyone thrives by ensuring all feel welcome and valued.
Easterseals Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We base all employment decisions on each individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other protected status under the law.
Market context
Western Massachusetts student support roles stay competitive
In Western Massachusetts, college student support specialist roles are often shaped by steady demand for staff who can help students navigate academic and accessibility needs across campuses. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for a related bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience supporting young adults with disabilities, and comfort with learning management systems and Microsoft Office. Review commute expectations carefully and confirm you have reliable transportation, since this role requires travel between campuses; the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting to save you research time.
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