SOESD - Youth Employment Services Specialist

Southern Oregon Education Service District is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of Southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt music festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

About the role

Work collaboratively with high school teams, students, parents, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, and other community partners to provide enhanced Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and core Youth Employment Services Program (YES) services for eligible participants within the component districts. The overall goal is to assist transition-age students who experience disabilities in securing appropriate, meaningful employment and/or post-secondary education to ensure success and independence as adult members of society.

Responsibilities

• Work with students to evaluate and improve performance of self-help, communication, social, behavioral, academic, vocational, and independent living skills across school and community settings in relation to transition planning.
• Participate as a member of the IEP team to identify and address transition needs of students.
• Collaborate with school staff to provide transition planning, including provision of transition services related to post-secondary training, education, employment, and independent living skills.
• Develop and deliver Pre-ETS based on participant needs and goals, resources available, and guiding principles of the Youth Employment Services Program.
• Develop and monitor school and community-based work experience sites.
• Facilitate training and evaluation of students in vocational training and work-based activities and experiences.
• Identify and refer participants to VR, and assist VR in referring participants to appropriate employment-related sources of assistance.
• Gather and provide documentation as required by WIOA of disability, key informant information, and other relevant information for each participant to assist VR in determining participants' eligibility for VR services and to identify vocational goals and supports.
• Develop, implement, and maintain student vocational records and data regarding daily living vocational experiences.
• Consult with, and cooperatively plan vocational and transition activities with students, parents, related service providers, community employment partners, and involved social service agencies.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with ESD/local district staff, parents, community, service agency personnel, and local employers.
• Participate in professional growth activities.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about participants, families, and staff.
• Demonstrate understanding of IDEA, FAPE, and the provision of employment-related transition activities for students and youth with disabilities as set forth in WIOA.
• Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.
• Perform job-related tasks as designated by supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• Three years' experience, preferred, working in a transition program (or educational setting requiring similar skills) and/or providing vocational services to students in a school or community setting, OR three years' experience working in an agency setting providing transition, vocational, or related services to youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective delivery of transition services, community and employment expectations, and vocational training strategies for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated competence regarding use of computers and other technology devices and systems for communication, data recording and reporting, and student instructions and support.
• Ability to obtain CPR and first aid certification.
• Possess valid Oregon Driver License.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, certification, and training/education, deemed by the district, which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this job may be used as an alternative to this prerequisite.

Physical requirements

• Stand/Walk: 4-6 Hrs./Day
• Sit/Sit on Floor: 4-6 Hrs./Day
• Drive: 4-6 Hrs./Day
• Bending: Occasionally
• Squat: Occasionally
• Climb Stairs: Occasionally
• Single Grasping: Frequently
• Pushing: Frequently
• Pulling: Frequently
• Fine Manipulation: Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Controls: Not At All
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs.): Occasionally
• Lifting (25 - 50 lbs.): Occasionally
• Lifting (50 - 75 lbs.): Occasionally
• Lifting (75 - 100 lbs.): Occasionally
• Shift position quickly: Limited
• Strength/endurance: Limited

Pay

Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule: $20.56/hr - $24.61/hr for the 2026-2027 school year.

Schedule

258-day calendar (year-round position; part-time hours in the summer).

Benefits

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2,114.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays.
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.
• Health Insurance (OEBB MODA): Includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance. Monthly premium deducted pre-tax.
• Options for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, day-care expenses).
• Optional coverage for additional life, AD&D, short-term disability insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Mercy Flights Membership.