Transition Alliance Program Specialist
Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! Ames CSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community.
The Ames CSD is seeking a Transition Alliance Program Specialist for the 2023-24 school year.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Ames Community School District is to ensure that all learners develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and personal esteem necessary to grow in and shape a changing society.
Summary
The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) is a pattern of service for youth with disabilities centered around the goal of obtaining competitive integrated employment for eligible youth. The TAP Specialist is responsible for assisting the TAP coordinator with the planning and coordination of vocational services provided to high school students and young adults with disabilities. The Specialist is under the direction of the high school principals as well as the Director of Special Education. The Specialist will assist in providing comprehensive services for youth in the following areas: personal counseling, assessment, instruction, job development and placement activities; development of apprenticeships and community based work experiences; compilation of labor market information; collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation, school personnel and adult service providers; development of transition plans in coordination of IEPs and employment plans; teaching of competencies based on individual student needs; maintenance of case records and reports, including follow up until the individual reaches age 25.
Schedule: Full-time (210 day calendar)
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- Assists in carrying out all expected duties including intake, screening, evaluation, goal development, casework activities, placement, guidance and referral.
- Provides related case file documentation and reporting including comprehensive records to parents or guardians, the building principals, district special education department, and Vocational Rehabilitation on the progress and adjustment of each student as directed by the TAP Coordinator.
- Under the direction of the TAP Coordinator, works with employers to develop work opportunities for students such as: internships, summer employment, paid/unpaid work experiences.
- Implements effective strategies that increase independent living and inclusion of youth with disabilities in their communities and competitive integrated workplaces, specifically classroom involvement with youth on practicing work skills, implementation of strategies to mitigate barriers to employment, and supportive job coaching for students obtaining paid and unpaid employment experiences within the community.
- Develops and improves strategies for individuals with intellectual and significant disabilities to live independently, participate in postsecondary education experiences, and obtain and retain competitive integrated employment.
- Provides marketing services through public speaking and other activities designed to enhance the public image and understanding of transition services.
- Assists with coordinating activities with transition services provided by local educational agencies under IDEA.
- Disseminates information and strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary activities of members of traditionally unserved and underserved populations.
- Creates a sense of belonging and welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff
- Onsite work required.
- Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, a human service-oriented field, or education.
- Two years experience working with youth with disabilities.
- Two years experience related to job coaching, training, or onboarding.
- Valid teaching license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, preferred but not required.
The successful candidate will exhibit:
- Understanding of effects of the onset, progression, and expected duration of disability on individuals’ holistic functioning.
- Understanding and knowledge of environmental, attitudinal, and individual barriers for people with disabilities.
- Knowledge of rehabilitation service delivery systems, including housing, independent living, case management, public benefits programs, educational programs, and public/proprietary vocational rehabilitation programs.
- Knowledge transferable skills, functional assessments, and work-related supports for achieving and maintaining meaningful employment for people with disabilities .
- Strategies to analyze work activity and labor market data and trends to facilitate the match between an individual with a disability and targeted jobs.
- Consultation and collaboration with employers regarding the legal rights and benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, including Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, accommodations, universal design, and workplace disability prevention.
- Strategies to promote self-advocacy skills of individuals with disabilities.
- Career- and work-related assessments, including job analysis, work site modification, transferable skills analysis, job readiness, and work hardening.
- Evaluation and application of assistive technology with an emphasis on individualized assessment and planning.
- Career development and employment models and strategies for achieving and maintaining meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
Compensation: $23.35/hour
Closing Date: Open until filled
Candidates, please follow the link to apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/amesk12/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=1049
All employees of the Ames Community School District must pass a background check. Ames CSD is an E-Verify employer.
To learn more about the Ames Community School District, visit our websites:
It is the policy of the Ames Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Kristin Johnson, Human Resources Director, kristin.johnson@ames.k12.ia.us, District Offices, 2005 24th St. Ames, IA 50010, (515) 268-6610.