School Transition Specialist at The Independence Center

Description

The School Transition Specialist assists youth and students with disabilities with exploring and entering career pathways. Through a variety of services, including pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS), independent living services, assistance with long or short term training, assistive technology, job seeking skills training, youth and students with disabilities are provided with the support and guidance needed to prepare for, enter into and/or advance along a career pathway. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide services to school students in the areas of benefits planning, pre-employment transition services as well as job preparation and development. Collaborate with the school district transition group and the school DVR counselor to develop and implement programs for all interested students.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with consumers either in person at The Independence Center, at the District 8 Special Education Department Campus, or virtually to identify necessary services. Successfully completing these meetings will lead to a 100% referral response rate, with at least 80% of students who participated in an initial meeting enrolling in services. 
• Attend mandatory meetings, including strategic interdisciplinary transition meetings, planning and advisory sessions, as well as Individualized Education Plan meetings. Complete the following training sessions:
  • Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) – Micro Training Series
  • Engaging with Families Training Module
  • Interagency Collaboration Training Module
  • Think Higher. Think College. New Resources and Strategies on College Access for Students with Intellectual Disability
  • Practical Considerations for Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) for Students with Complex Support Needs
  • Enhancing Youth Ability to Travel through Instruction and Community Partnerships
  • Financial Literacy
  • Sequencing of Services
• Complete Work Incentive Planner training and maintain 12 CEU credits annually.
• Ensure all paperwork and documentation are completed to comply with both federal and local regulations. Keep organized files for all documents, records, communications, notes, and other materials related to work with students.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity, and Person First.

· Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

· Extraordinary customer service skills.

· Effective communication skills.

· Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.

· Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.

· Takes responsibility for high-quality work.

· Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.

· Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

· The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

· Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Education and Experience:

· Certified Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C) certification or capacity to obtain within one year of hire.

· Knowledge of state and federal disability programs.

· Ability to write routine reports, assessments, and related correspondence.

· Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.

· Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

· Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.

· Must have reliable transportation.

Working Conditions:

· Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

· Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 

· Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.