Special Education Transition Technician

Special Education Transition Technician

Support the process of secondary transition planning for youth with disabilities by facilitating the completion of a variety of activities identified in the Individual Education Plan (IEP). This position requires work with youth that have a wide range of disabilities, working individually or in a small group settings and collaboration with a variety of school personnel/departments, outside agencies, families and community partners.

Essential duties and responsibilities generally include the following:

• Coordinate and execute assessments and activities for career exploration.
• Assist students with identifying and accessing a path to their chosen career/employment goal.
• Gather and organize information for transition planning and ECAP development.
• Facilitate and support student involvement in school and community experiences.
• Locate and share resources for education or training, employment and/or independent living for transitioning youth.
• Assist in the delivery of instruction related to job readiness, disability awareness and independent living.
• Provide information and resources needed for travel and community mobility.
• Coordinate annual Transition/IEP review meetings.
• Coordinate and participate in activities related to outreach and recruitment of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients.
• Facilitate the VR referral process by gathering and submitting necessary documentation as directed.
• Support VR clients in the development of their Individual Plan of Employment prior to enrollment in the TSW courses.
• Coordinate, collaborate and exchange information with school personnel across disciplines and departments.
• Collaborate and coordinate with outside agencies to facilitate participation in transition planning meetings.
• Create and maintain school and community connections for student exploration activities.
• Provide transportation for students to access community experiences arranged by the school.
• Develop and implement data collection methods to monitor student progress towards postsecondary goals.
• Maintain a schedule of activities and documentation of student contact and other actions.
• Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality regarding all student history and records.
• Attend district meetings and trainings as required.
• Attend Vocational Rehabilitation/ADE meetings, trainings and seminars regarding TSW procedures and practices.
• Follow district and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Special Education 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 effect education and employment of people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of community employment market and labor trends.
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Skills in operating a computer and utilizing a variety of software applications including but not limited to Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook.
• Skills in verbal and written communication including interpreting and expressing ideas and directions.
• Skills in organization and management of materials, records, resources and other information.
• Skills in time management and task prioritization.

Must demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Ability to work autonomously and self-monitor.
• Ability to work independently with students (individually or in small groups) in the school and community settings.
• Ability to problem solve, adapt and change routines or activities quickly as situations arise.
• Ability to respond with appropriate behavioral management strategies when working with youth.
• Ability to perform a variety of multi-step activities and manage a flexible schedule.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive rapport with students and work professionally with school staff.

Minimum qualifications:

• Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree OR Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution OR Have met a rigorous standard of quality by demonstrating knowledge on a Paraprofessional Assessment, available at the Peoria Unified School District Office.
• 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.
• At least 1 year working with youth ages 14-22.

Other requirements:

• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
• Ability to operate a district vehicle is required for this position.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to assist with students…