Transition Specialist

Position Type:
Related Services

Date Posted:
6/15/2022

Location:
Raymond S Kellis High School - Glendale, AZ

Date Available:
08/08/2022

Additional Information:
Position Title: Transition Specialist

Department: Special Education

Supervisor: School Administration

Term of Employment: 9 months 40hours/wk

Job Summary: Support the Transition from School to Work (TSW) program by coordinating and executing a variety of classroom, school, and community-based activities designed to promote job readiness and independent living skills for students who are eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. This position requires work with students that have a wide range of physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive disabilities, either 1:1 or in a small group setting, at school and in the community. Additionally, the TSW Specialist will establish and maintain a variety of business contacts to create opportunities for observation, volunteer experience, internships and/or employment experiences.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Develop and participate in activities related to the outreach and recruitment of potential VR clients.
• Facilitate VR referrals by gathering and submitting necessary documentation according to PUSD/RSA guidelines and coordinating intake meetings with families/students and VR counselors.
• Assist students in acquiring necessary mobility/transportation to keep appointments for VR services.
• Collaborate with TSW Teacher and VR Teacher Coach to develop and implement student Service Plans.
• Assist in the delivery of instruction of the TSW curriculum as directed by the TSW Teacher and VR Teacher Coach.
• Coordinate and execute a variety of classroom and community-based activities to support classroom instruction.
• Establish and maintain a variety of business and community partnerships to provide experiences and opportunities for career exploration and development of job readiness skills.
• Analyze work/volunteer sites and match TSW students with those that are deemed appropriate by the TSW Teacher, VR Teacher Coach, and/or VR Counselor
• Provided 1:1 assistance/training at a job/volunteer site consistent with the students targeted goals.
• Collect data and other information to document students progress towards targeted service plan objectives.
• Maintain written documentation of all activities and student contact according to PUSD/RSA guidelines.
• Maintain an accurate and current case file for each TSW student including a service plan, documentation of services, a student portfolio, progress reports and other records as deemed necessary.
• Communicate relevant and pertinent information for transition planning with VR counselors, TSW Teacher, IEP case manager, school guidance counselors, related service providers and others as deemed necessary.
• Assist students with identifying and applying for jobs, community resources, services, CTE programs, postsecondary education or training programs, and/or financial aid/support.
• Transport students to/from campus and community-based instruction arranged by the school.
• Provide additional student support as deemed necessary by the TSW Teacher and/or VR Teacher Coach, including follow-up services after course completion.
• Attend district trainings and program planning meetings.
• Attend student planning meetings
• Attend all training seminars offered by VR and/or ADE regarding TSW procedures and practices
• Perform other duties as assigned by the District Transition Services Coordinator

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA and other legislative acts that support education and employment of youth with disabilities.
• Knowledge of RSA/Vocational Rehabilitation services and Transition School to Work program.
• Knowledge of employment skills and local labor market trends
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook.
• Skills in verbal and written communication in order to interpret and share information and provide instruction
• Skills in organization and management of materials, records, resources and information.
• Skills in time management and task prioritization
• Must demonstrate the following capabilities:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• A high school diploma or GED AND the equivalent of two years of college or a passing score on a state-approved competency examination.
• Minimum of 1 year working with youth with disabilities ages 14-22 or at-risk youth.
• At least 1 year working with people or youth to gain skills and/or participate in education/training opportunities designed to prepare a person for a career or employment.

Preferred:

• College coursework in education, business, social services or human relations
• Experience working in the public sector

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona drivers license.
• Must be able and willing to operate a district vehicle.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be required to assist with transfers for students that have mobility impairments.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours or flex hours to accommodate student needs.
• May be required to work at more than one campus if VR census is low at home school
• Will be required to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities

*The VR-TSW program is jointly administered by PUSD and AZ Department of Economic Security/Rehabilitation Administration Services (AZDES/RSA). This position is partially funded by an intergovernmental contractual agreement and may be terminated if the agreement is not renewed.