Transition Program Coordinator

Niagara University is a liberal arts university, steeped in the Vincentian and Catholic traditions, with a total enrollment of nearly 4,300 students. Located just a few miles away from one of the world's premier tourism destinations, Niagara Falls, the university occupies a lovely campus overlooking the Niagara River gorge. Its close proximity to major cultural and business centers in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Toronto as well as the award-winning Niagara Wine Trail and several nearby cultural destinations make Niagara University an ideal place to work and live. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Transition Program Coordinator works closely with the Program Manager and Executive Director of the Levesque Institute to maintain goals and objectives as outlined in the "Building Bridges to Inclusion and Excellence" grant funded by the Tower Foundation. This part-time role focuses on transition programming for high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. The coordinator will implement and manage weekly activities designed to enhance students' readiness for post-secondary education, workforce training, and employment, ensuring a smooth transition into adulthood.

The position aligns with Niagara University's mission to foster inclusive education and the Levesque Institute's commitment to equity, diversity, and community engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

PROGRAM COORDINATION:

• Organize and oversee weekly workshops, campus visits, and career exploration activities for high school juniors and seniors participating in the program.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and community partners to design and implement transition plans tailored to individual students.
• Facilitate parent engagement through workshops, orientations, and resource-sharing sessions.
• Partner with local businesses and university departments to secure job-shadowing and internship opportunities for students.
• Ensure all program components meet milestones outlined in the Tower Foundation grant, including academic and career readiness outcomes.

• Track evaluations/surveys response from all courses, workshops and trainings.
• Maintain confidentiality of information (including but not limited to student and employee personal information, student grades, etc.), both during and after their employment with the University. Any question regarding the confidentiality of material, should be referred to the supervisor. Any violation shall subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

STUDENT SUPPORT

• Develop individualized plans to address each student's strengths, challenges, and goals.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for student participation in on-campus and community-based activities.
• Provide direct coaching on self-advocacy, leadership skills, and workplace readiness

DATA MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

• Maintain accurate records of student participation, progress, and outcomes.
• Assist with program evaluation through surveys, portfolio development, and focus groups.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly progress reports for grant reporting.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: (% of Time)

60% Direct Program Implementation and Student Support: Coordination of workshops and activities, monthly calendar, student mentorship, internship, employment and support, collaboration with educators, community partners and family members, and monitoring student progress to meet grant objectives and outcomes.

40% Administrative and Reporting Duties: Data collection to assist grant reporting, program logistics, community engagement, program documentation and evaluation

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and ability to manage complex tasks efficiently, and with flexibility and willingness to pivot to time sensitive special tasks, as needed.
• The ability to work effectively in a university setting with diverse communities, tactful, and using sound judgement when dealing with difficult situations involving parents, university personnel and community partners
• Understand the disability community, ADA, disability rights, etiquette, basic disability awareness and proper response to need.
• Excellent organizational, computer competency and literacy skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner and Share Point), Adobe Acrobat and Google Drive programs and researching skills.
• The ability to work independently and in a timely manner to complete tasks
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

The functions of the position usually performed sitting, but may require some amount of time standing. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, computer software applications, and calculator, involve extensive wrist and hand movements. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Postsecondary Education with an Associate's degree in related field, Bachelor's degree preferred
• At least 3 years of experience in disability advocacy
• Experience with high school aged students with disabilities including knowledge of IEP/504 plans preferred.
• Other combinations of education/direct experience will be considered on an individual basis

THE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REASSIGN OR COMBINE POSITIONS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Salary : $20 - $21