TAP Specialist (Transition Alliance Program)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe 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 IVRSSelf-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlinesOversee the development and implementation of individual plans for employmentAble to keep accurate, up-to-date recordsCarry out expected duties including student intake, screening, evaluation, goal development, community placement, vocational support, vocational counseling and communicationAble to deal with problems and crisis situations as neededAble to develop positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals from a diverse populationWork cooperatively with community employers to develop supportive relationships to increase vocational access for students with disabilitiesMust promote a positive attitude regarding TAP, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Sioux City Community School District to schools, families, businesses and the public in generalMust have computer skills necessary to perform job searches, assist students with on-line and vocational and educational activities on the computerCollaborate with IVRS, school administrators, school counselors, and special education teachersOversee job coaching and training activities on work sites, complete evaluation and exploration activities at job shadowing sitesAssist students with writing resumes, filling out job applications, practicing for interviews, teaching positive work habits and developing interpersonal skills that promote long term employmentSupport community living skills like proper hygiene, budgeting, use of public transportation, and other daily living skillsDevelop and implement summer activities for students and families in cooperation with IVRSEncourage employers to use job incentives, consult with employers in problem situations and coordinate services with other resources based on individual needComplete other record keeping and clerical duties as required by the TAP ProgramQUALIFICATIONSHave a valid driver’s licenseBA / BS in Education or a Human Services related areaPrevious experience in the area of transitioning of individuals into the world of work and who have Job Coaching Certification is preferredPrevious experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferredEVALUATIONJob performance will be evaluated according to the terms defined in the negotiatedagreement.COMMUNICATION SKILLSStrong 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 ofindividuals, including school staff, administrators, AEA staff, parents, and outside agencystaff. Individual must have effective listening skills.POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP SKILLSPromotes 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 SKILLSMust be an effective team member and facilitator in a variety of situations. Positionrequires the ability to support educators and teams in enhancing skills and programplanning for students with disabilities.ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLSMust have skills in observing and gathering data that will be used for decision making.ATTENDANCEExcellent attendance record is required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTNormal 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 worksinside.OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNEDWill perform other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee,necessary and appropriate to achievement of the program and / or District goals andobjectives