Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Transition Specialist

Job Title

Position Title: Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Transition Specialist

Location: Division of Exceptional Student Education

Salary: DFT Salary Schedule

Reports to: ESE Lead Administrator, or Designee

Bargaining Unit: DFT

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Site based. Not eligible for telecommuting

In accordance with the Agreement between Detroit Federation of Teachers and the Board of Education of the School District of the City of Detroit, the following vacancy is announced.

Position Summary:

Transition Specialist will promote and ensure the best practices of Detroit Public Schools Community District in IEP development and implementation for academic improvement and compliance with State and Federal law (IDEA) regarding transition planning for students with Individualized Education Plans. Candidates must be knowledgeable of policies and procedures regarding sound transition practice. This knowledge to consist of: Theoretical and applied models of transition; Transition-related legislation in fields of special and vocational education, rehabilitation, labor and civil rights; School and post-school services available to specific populations of individuals with exceptional learning needs; formal and informal approaches for identifying student interests and preferences related to post-school goals and educational experiences; formal and informal approaches used to determine eligibility for other transition related services; such as vocational rehabilitation services, mental health services, social security, post-secondary education, Medicaid; methods for establishing and providing work-based and other community-based activities for individuals with exceptional learning needs; methods for identifying and linking appropriate learning environments through which transition education, activities and services are delivered; methods and strategies for increasing students and families knowledge and skills about transition-related issues and topics, including transition education, activities and services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess and provide evidence of a master's degree from an institution accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

• Must possess a valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate or state approval as a School Psychologist or School Social Worker.

• At least five (5) years of successful certified teaching experience in the special education field.

• Two (2) years of successful educational/transitional programming experience with special education students. Persons designated as Transition Trainers for the State of Michigan Transition Service Project preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in planning, organizing and implementing district-wide approaches and models of transition education, services, programs, as mandated by IDEA 97.

• Develop evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of transition programs for students with disabilities.

• Design and implement district professional development of staff and in-service training for parents and community.

• Carry an active caseload of students whose transition plans require management and monitoring.

• Assist in implementing interagency collaboration, including consumers, parents, service providers and employers.

• Assist in developing curriculum and instructional strategies related to Life Skills Instruction, Career and Vocational Curricula, Structured Work Experience, Assessment and Support Services.

• Participate in IEP development and other planning strategies with teachers and parents.

• Assist in implementing a longitudinal approach to transition from early childhood to adult.

• Establish and maintain a current database on post-secondary educational, employment and community resources for students with disabilities.

• Ensure that all eligible students access the Michigan Department of Career Development Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

• Coordinate the mandated one-year follow up survey for special education graduates.

• Serve on the Transition Advisory Council which includes community agencies, employers, parents and students in order to provide support or graduate they transition from school to the adult world.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@detroitk12.org or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions? Concerns? contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or dpscd.compliance@detroitk12.org or 3011 West Grand Boulevard, 14th Floor, Detroit MI 48202.