J. Nicholas Robbins
Merrimac
Summary
Highly effective Career Development Professional with a strong history of program creation and implementation, complemented by experience in career counseling, collegiate coaching, technical recruiting and vocational instruction. Passionate about leveraging extensive expertise in community outreach and career counseling to significantly enhance student success and engagement within the college recruitment and application process.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Success Specialist
MassAbility/State of Massachusetts
Lowell/Lawrence
05.2023 - Current
- Develop and maintain a strategic partnership with employers and community organizations to create employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities
- While also partnering to connect young adults to certificate programs, trainings, and internships to assist them in gaining skills to become successfully employed
- Provide individualized coaching and counseling to young adults, through our self-cares curriculum, leading to improved employment outcomes
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including counselors and peer mentors, to develop and implement personalized career plans for participants
Specialty Career Counselor (Low Vision/Blindness)
MassAbility/State of Massachusetts
Lowell/Lawrence
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Supported 50+ young adults on caseload, aged 18-30, with disabilities in achieving career advancement and economic self-sufficiency
- Provide expertise and tailored support to young adults who are blind or have low vision, addressing their unique service needs
- Provide coaching, counseling, and instruction to enhance participants' understanding and skills in self-capacity, self-realization, self-advocacy, and self-sufficiency
- Assist participants in creating and updating personalized career portfolios, serving as a resource to help them achieve their employment goals
Site Director of Community Based Day Services
You're With Us
Salem/Lowell
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed daily operations of The Lowell and Salem DEN programs and CBDS You're With Us! site, including staff onboarding, training, lesson creation and scheduling for 20+ participants
- Attended DDS Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings and provided case management and skills training in areas such as career exploration, communication, social skills, and daily living activities
- Built and maintained positive relationships with guardians, family members, and service providers to advocate for participants and enhance support networks
Program Manager/Champion of Meaningful Whole Life
The Edinburg Center
Bedford
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Developed a new concept for day programming for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, successfully securing funding from DDS
- Designed a comprehensive interest inventory to provide a 360-degree view of individuals' preferences, goals, and aspirations
- Collaborated with Directors, Supervisors and Staff to oversee daily activities and lessons, enhancing life experiences for 20+ individuals across five group homes
- Planned and executed community outings for 35+ individuals, fostering engagement and meaningful experiences
Job Developer/Community Outreach
The Price Center
Newton
06.2017 - 08.2020
- Established and maintained relationships with local businesses to identify job opportunities and meet employer hiring requirements
- Delivered job readiness training, including resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette, to enhance client employability
- Supported clients through the job placement process, including application assistance, interview preparation, and onboarding guidance
Search Advisor/Technical Recruiter
Groe Advisors
Waltham
03.2013 - 05.2017
Defensive Line/Running Backs Coach
Fitchburg State College
Fitchburg
08.2011 - 03.2013
Transitional Coach/Vocational Instructor
Merrimack Special Education Collaborative
Pepperell
05.2011 - 03.2013
Bridge Room Teacher's Aide (Special Education Classroom)
Seven Hills Charter Public School
Worcester
09.2010 - 04.2011
Merchandise Coordinator/Client Services Coordinator
Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Team
Bridgeport
02.2010 - 08.2010
Graduate Assistant Football Coach of NCAA FCS Member Institution
Jacksonville State College
Jacksonville
07.2009 - 02.2010
Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Fitchburg State College
Fitchburg
06.2008 - 06.2009
Education
Bachelors of Science - History, PoliticalScience
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MASkills
- Knowledge of College Admissions and Recruitment Process
- Career Development
- Resume and Cover Letter Building
- Communication
- Community Outreach
- Program Creation
- Lesson Implementation
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practices
- Team Collaboration
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Caseload management
- Problem Solving
Activities
- Participant in Division III collegiate football team
- All-Conference Defensive Linemen
Accomplishments
- The Edinburg Center's Innovation in Action: Shining Star Award
- Assisted in creating and running employment services and community based day programs,
Timeline
Employment Success Specialist
MassAbility/State of Massachusetts
05.2023 - Current
Specialty Career Counselor (Low Vision/Blindness)
MassAbility/State of Massachusetts
05.2023 - 09.2024
Site Director of Community Based Day Services
You're With Us
08.2022 - 05.2023
Program Manager/Champion of Meaningful Whole Life
The Edinburg Center
08.2020 - 07.2022
Job Developer/Community Outreach
The Price Center
06.2017 - 08.2020
Search Advisor/Technical Recruiter
Groe Advisors
03.2013 - 05.2017
Defensive Line/Running Backs Coach
Fitchburg State College
08.2011 - 03.2013
Transitional Coach/Vocational Instructor
Merrimack Special Education Collaborative
05.2011 - 03.2013
Bridge Room Teacher's Aide (Special Education Classroom)
Seven Hills Charter Public School
09.2010 - 04.2011
Merchandise Coordinator/Client Services Coordinator
Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Team
02.2010 - 08.2010
Graduate Assistant Football Coach of NCAA FCS Member Institution
Jacksonville State College
07.2009 - 02.2010
Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Fitchburg State College
06.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelors of Science - History, PoliticalScience
Fitchburg State University
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