TAP Specialist (Transition Alliance Program)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist will develop, coordinate, and oversee services within the TAP program to introduce, explore and facilitate vocational opportunities for students with disabilities. The TAP Specialists will provide services to youth in the areas of: assessment, intake, job development and placement activities (including short term job coaching), facilitate community based work experiences, collaboration with Iowa Vocational Rehab ( IVRS) and Sioux City Community School staff, support transition plans for students with Individual Education Plans (IEP), individual student vocational counseling aligned to student goals, provide group vocational skill building, and maintain case records and necessary documentation. The TAP Specialist is a shared position between the Sioux City Community School District and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively with TAP participants, their parents/caregivers, high school staff and IVRS
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlines
• Oversee the development and implementation of individual plans for employment
• Able to keep accurate, up-to-date records
• Carry out expected duties including student intake, screening, evaluation, goal development, community placement, vocational support, vocational counseling and communication
• Able to deal with problems and crisis situations as needed
• Able to develop positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals from a diverse population
• Work cooperatively with community employers to develop supportive relationships to increase vocational access for students with disabilities
• Must promote a positive attitude regarding TAP, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Sioux City Community School District to schools, families, businesses and the public in general
• Must have computer skills necessary to perform job searches, assist students with on-line and vocational and educational activities on the computer
• Collaborate with IVRS, school administrators, school counselors, and special education teachers
• Oversee job coaching and training activities on work sites, complete evaluation and exploration activities at job shadowing sites
• Assist students with writing resumes, filling out job applications, practicing for interviews, teaching positive work habits and developing interpersonal skills that promote long term employment
• Support community living skills like proper hygiene, budgeting, use of public transportation, and other daily living skills
• Develop and implement summer activities for students and families in cooperation with IVRS
• Encourage employers to use job incentives, consult with employers in problem situations and coordinate services with other resources based on individual need
• Complete other record keeping and clerical duties as required by the TAP Program

QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a valid driver’s license
• BA/BS in Education or a Human Services related area
• Previous experience in the area of transitioning of individuals into the world of work and who have Job Coaching Certification is preferred
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred

EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated according to the terms defined in the negotiated

agreement.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical to the success of this position.

Must possess the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of

individuals, including school staff, administrators, AEA staff, parents, and outside agency

staff. Individual must have effective listening skills.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

Promotes the District and special education programs through positive support, modeling,

and conversations. The TAP Specialist is a collaborative team member that speaks positively and in a supportive way about education, teaching, learning, and the District.

PROBLEM-SOLVING, & FACILITATION SKILLS

Must be an effective team member and facilitator in a variety of situations. Position

requires the ability to support educators and teams in enhancing skills and program

planning for students with disabilities.

ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLS

Must have skills in observing and gathering data that will be used for decision making.

ATTENDANCE

Excellent attendance record is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal office physical demands. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds infrequently.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally employee works

inside.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Will perform other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee,

necessary and appropriate to achievement of the program and/or District goals and

objectives