Transition Specialist​/VR-TSW

Position Title

Transition Specialist/VR

Department:
Special Education

Supervisor:
School Administrator / Transition Coordinator and Teacher

Term of Employment: 9 months – 40 hours / week

Salary Classification:
Classified Grade 15

The job of Transition Specialist is done for the purpose of providing "enhanced" Transition from School to Work (TSW) services, in collaboration with a transition teacher and other providers, to students with disabilities who are clients of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). This includes the coordination and execution of a variety of activities that are designed to educate staff/students/families about the VR-TSW program, facilitate referrals, enrich the process of career exploration, generate work‑based learning opportunities, expand on classroom instruction, and reinforce work‑readiness skills so that students may experience a seamless transition to continuing education, vocational training, and/or the world of work.

• Promote program by providing details and information about purpose, process, and payoff (benefit)
• Assist students, family, case manager, and others to initiate and follow through with VR referral, eligibility determination, IPE development, and completing Senior Checklist items.
• Arrange/coordinate routine VR-TSW meetings including intake/orientation, mentor sessions, IPE review/sign, progress review, and senior exit.
• Find and deliver details about in‑demand industries and jobs, postsecondary education/training programs, recruiting/hiring events, internship opportunities, financial aid, scholarships, etc.
• Conduct outreach activities to recruit businesses, organizations, and professionals for work‑based learning experiences including site tours, career presentations, job shadows, informational interviews, etc.
• Arrange community outings (1:1 or class) to facilitate career exploration, postsecondary planning, trial work or volunteer experience, field research, travel training, etc.
• Plan in class or community‑based activities, in collaboration with the Transition teacher to supplement weekly lessons and learning targets.
• Transport students (in district van or AV bus) to activities, meetings, appointments or events.
• Collaborate with school counselors, career center, CTE teachers, transition tech to plan school‑wide college & career events, exchange information, share resources, and facilitate student access/use of services.
• Provide instruction/coaching in workplace skills, self‑regulation, goal setting, self‑determination, job search, interview skills, applying for jobs, financial aid, college/trade school, and concept of life‑long‑learning.
• Act as a liaison between VR, school, district, student, family, and other agency reps.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation (e.g., time/effort log, mileage, service and progress reports).
• Communicate transition plan, progress & needs with Transition team (family, counselors, case manager, etc.).
• Attend all trainings, meetings, and professional learning by Peoria, RSA, and/or ADE as required.
• Other duties as assigned by Transition Coordinator or Transition Strategist.

• General knowledge of state and federal labor laws
• General knowledge of laws pertaining to special education & rights of employees with disabilities
• General knowledge of methods/techniques for teaching life skills to students with disabilities
• General knowledge of agencies/organizations that provide services to youth/adults with disabilities.
• Skill in operating a computer using common Microsoft applications
• Skill in collecting/managing data (digitally or paper/pen) and protecting confidential records
• Skill in accepting and providing feedback to improve workplace skills in class and community
• Skill in keeping organized, being on time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting due dates/deadlines
• Able to listen, read, and interpret information spoken or written in English
• Able to speak and write clearly and concisely in English with good grammar
• Able to present information verbally in 1:1 and small groups (15-20 people)
• Able to modify/adapt communication strategies to match different ability levels and styles
• Able to establish…