Transition Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides information about Transition and Autism Services as well as other available Community Employment Services and community resources to school personnel, families, businesses and community agencies through meetings and formal presentations.
• Completes intakes for students referred for Transition/Autism Services and gathers all necessary documentation and reports.
• Develops student files and keeps them up to date.
• Attends transition planning meetings, IEP meetings, develops student's transition plan and assists in the writing of transition goals for the IEP.
• Affords assistance and guidance in linkage to services through ACCES-VR and OPWDD to students and families.
• Responsible for developing worked based learning placements in community businesses/organizations and accompanying students on job shadowing experiences and assessments.
• Develops internship opportunities, both paid and unpaid.
• Provides oversight and training to the student, maintains communication with the employer and supervisor.
• Affords assistance in the development of a resume, completing applications and mock interviews.
• Completes classroom observations, provides support to classroom teachers and parents, when appropriate.
• At times, completes in-home student observations.
• Maintains follow-up contact with students, their families and their teachers providing them with accurate and consistent communication regarding the student's progress.
• Maintains documentation regarding student progress through progress notes, semester summaries and emails.
• Maintains files for students receiving services.
• Documents billable services according to agency policy.
• Ensures that appropriate confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Provides ACCES-VR youth services and community-based assessments as assigned by Assistant Director of Employment Services.
• Maintains open communication with supervisor regarding school districts, students and family contact.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited University / College in a human services field.
• One year of experience in delivery of services to people with developmental disabilities.

REASONING SKILLS

• Sound decision making and judgment,
• Interpersonal skills,
• Planning/organizing,
• Strategic thinking and time management.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Possesses a valid NYS driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Successfully completed all required agency/state/federal training.
• Knowledgeable about Internet software, Microsoft Office components including Word, Office, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Become trained in the use of Therap for event reporting and ongoing communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physically able to bend/stoop, squat, push/pull, reach above/below shoulder level frequently.
• Regularly required to sit for long periods of time, walk and stand.
• Talk or hear both in person and by telephone.
• Must be able to independently lift and/or transfer, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• No lifting restrictions.
• Must have adequate vision, speaking and hearing ability, with or without correction, to be constantly aware of, detect, and able to respond to each individual's needs when not in immediate vicinity.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Use hands respectively to finger, handle, feel or operate office equipment.
• Ability to ambulate; reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to operate a computer and software programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The employee is regularly exposed to varying temperature levels.
• The employee is regularly exposed to high noise environments.
• Works with electric/hydraulic/manual lift/ramp equipment, and office equipment.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule including overtime.