Transition Specialist/ VR Specialist-SPED/ Lead

Position Title:  Transition/VR Specialist-SPED/Lead                                   
Department:  Special Education  
Supervisor:  Transition Coordinator/Executive Director Exceptional Student Services


Term of Employment:  224 Days
Salary Classification:  Classified Salary Exempt - Grade 1


Job Summary:  The job of Transition/VR Specialist Lead is done for the purpose of supporting the development, delivery, and documentation of transition services per IDEA and the Peoria/Vocational Rehabilitation Transition from School to Work (Peoria/VR-TSW) program. This includes designing and executing strategic systems to manage the receipt, exchange, and storage of information, data, and records; providing technical assistance to others in district process and procedures; connecting with people, places, and opportunities to enhance the knowledge and delivery of transition services; and collaborating with other departments and/or outside agencies to coordinate/arrange transition-related activities/events in benefit of staff, students, and families.   
Essential Functions:  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Educate others on the district model of transition services (in relation to ECAP and levels of service).
• Explain and direct others in the use of district resources to facilitate ECAP/Transition planning.
• Contribute to the development of process, procedures, and resources (for staff, students, and families)
• Train/provide technical assistance in transition process/procedures.
• Present details and benefits of the VR-TSW program
• Oversee VR referral process, track eligibility, and direct others to initiate/follow VR-TSW program steps.   
• Monitor the completion/collection of VR-TSW services records (staff/student).
• Generate and submit quarterly VR-TSW billing documents, track inventory, manage transportation demands
• Contribute to the evaluation of transition services/programs through a variety of means including the administration of the annual ADE Post-school Outcome Survey (PSO).
• Explore/identify resources to build transition knowledge, skills, and abilities in staff, students and/or families.
• Find/deliver current labor market info, education/training programs, recruiting/hiring events, etc.
• Connect/collaborate with in-district and community stakeholders (professionals, businesses, agencies, etc.) to secure, create, and/or enrich transition-related experiences and opportunities.
• Identify/develop ways to improve/streamline organization, communication, services, data collection, etc.  
• Assist campuses to fulfill VR-TSW services (e.g., coordinate meetings, arrange community outings, transport students, etc.) as needed.
• Transport students (in district van or AV bus) to activities, meetings, appointments or events   
• 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)
• 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

 
KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• General knowledge of state and federal labor laws
• General knowledge of laws pertaining to special education & rights of employees with disabilities
• General knowledge of strategies for training/teaching adults
• 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 from digital sources and protecting confidential records
• 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 and maintain professional working relationships with ALL stakeholders
• Able to work autonomously without direct supervision
• Able to adapt and change routines/activities quickly as situations arrive

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant must have a regular high school diploma or G.E.D.; current Arizona Driver’s License; current Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card; at least 2 years’ experience working in Peoria District Transition Department; 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to drive a district van or AV bus to transport students in the community
• Will be required to take/pass an online driving class and be approved for insurability
• Will be required to pass an annual background check conducted by ADES/RSA
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies/materials weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be required to assist with daily living skills and transfer of students with mobility limitations
• May be required to start earlier or leave later than normal working hours

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This position is funded in part by a grant from the Arizona Department of Economic Security/Rehabilitation Services Administration (ADES/RSA). If not renewed, this position may change in duties, location, or continuance. In which case, employees will be assisted to locate and secure other district job opportunities.