TAP Specialist

Position Description

The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) specialist coordinates assessments, diagnostic services, job development with businesses, maintains databases and job training for youth, monitors participants via the comprehensive TAP matrix, assists skill development on and off the work site, provides job coaching, completes reports and evaluations, and helps individuals access community resources. The specialist supports TAP Coordinators in training individuals (ages 15‑25) for competitive employment and independent living, providing community‑ and school‑based support.

• Communicate effectively with TAP participants, their parents, and a wide variety of professionals.
• Desire to work with young people with disabilities.
• Self‑motivated, flexible, and able to meet deadlines; able to shift between duties independently.
• Work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities and from diverse socio‑economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Hold a valid driver’s license to transport TAP participants.
• Assist in the development and implementation of individual employment plans.
• Work independently under the direction of the TAP Coordinator and TAP Facilitator.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records and utilize Excel to manage the program matrix.
• Handle problems and crisis situations as needed.
• Develop positive relationships with a diverse population.
• Promote a positive attitude regarding TAP, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
• Possess computer skills necessary for job searches, online vocational and educational activities.
• Collaborate with job coaches, counselors, and special education teachers.
• Provide job coaching and training on work sites, complete evaluation and exploration activities at job shadowing sites.
• Assist participants in learning skills and completing activities necessary for competitive employment, including:
  • Writing resumes
  • Completing job applications
  • Obtaining information on job openings
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Accessing organizations and agencies that assist in job placement and referral
  • Accessing training or educational programs
  • Learning specific job skills
  • Coaching the participant at the job site
  • Learning and utilizing problem‑solving skills for job success
• Assist participants in learning skills and completing activities necessary for independent living, including:
  • Attaining skills needed to obtain a driver’s license
  • Accessing community agencies and support services
  • Completing forms and paperwork as necessary
  • Using the MET bus system and reading schedules
  • Obtaining insurance and financial information and completing related tasks
  • Developing problem‑solving skills for independent living
• Complete other record‑keeping and clerical duties as directed, including:
  • Maintaining the Excel matrix for all TAP participants
  • Answering the telephone, taking messages, scheduling appointments, and sharing program information
  • Completing reports and participant program goal information
  • Filing and other office tasks as needed
  • Using the district’s computer‑based records system

• Valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related Human Services field.
• Previous experience in transitioning individuals into the workplace;
  Job Coaching Certification is preferred.
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.

• Master’s degree in counseling, education, social work, public health, or a closely related field.
• Certifications or endorsements in mental health, first aid/CPR, Supported Employment, or related areas.
• Leadership, support, and coaching experience with teams.
• Demonstrated experience in Supported Employment, Secondary Transition, or related fields.
• Growth mindset, flexibility to change, and openness to new ideas.

Start Date:

ASAP

Salary: $50,000 – $54,000

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and implement…