Description

Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is a high profile, nationally recognized non-profit in Phoenix, Arizona. Celebrating our 70^th Anniversary, FBC serves over 2,000 blind and visually impaired students of ALL ages, from birth to currently 102 years old on three Valley campuses. Our preschool for blind children and braille library are the largest in the country. A well-established and growing non-profit, FBC leads the blind community both locally and nationally with new and innovative teaching methods, technology, and outcomes. Our workplace culture consistently ranks in the top 10% of non-profits in the country with 95% of our team recommending FBC as a great place to work. The vision of the Foundation for Blind Children is a world where vision loss is a diagnosis, not a disability.

FBC is currently seeking qualified candidates for a full time Transition Program Specialist position. This position is based at our Central Campus in Phoenix. We offer a full benefits package included medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, retirement plan with employer contribution, short and long term disability insurance, life insurance, generous paid time off and paid holidays, 35 hour work week, fun staff events, and more! This position will require some weekend and evening hours, with the ability to flex time during the work week. Local travel during the workday is required. 

Transition programs at FBC provide impactful specialized services to schools and families of elementary and high school children who are blind or have low vision. This innovative team provides engaging services throughout the calendar year, helping students bridge the gap between elementary and high school and then into postsecondary. These programs include SHARP, SOAR, Trailblazers, Teen to Work, and College Prep - altogether creating a supportive community for families and schools. The Transition Specialist will support day-to-day operations of FBC’s transition programs. Reporting to the Manager of Transition Services, this role will be involved in all transition programs, emphasizing individual instruction, independence, and the Expanded Core Curriculum.

SHARP: An adaptive recreation program designed for visually-impaired, school-age children

SOAR: Nine month transition program that supports blind and visually impaired young adults as they navigate finding their first job, internship, or volunteer opportunity as they prepare for their future career

Teen to Work: Five week residential program on the campus of ASU that prepares participants for their first experience in the job market

College Prep: Five week residential program held on the ASU Tempe campus helps prepare students to live independently and eventually to join the workforce.

Job Duties include:

• Collaborate with the Manager of Transition Services and support the day to day operations of FBC transition programs.
• Provide direct and indirect instruction to students in the transition programs.
• Complete thorough assessments to determine student needs.
• Work with students to develop goals and objectives to help them become more independent.
• Provide guidance to students navigating enrollment into various state agencies (Vocational Rehabilitation; IEP services; 504 plans; Department of Developmental Disabilities).
• Collaborate with marketing and development to tell the stories of transition programs.
• Complete regular standardized progress reporting on student progress.
• Participate in community events as an outward facing resource for transition age students with vision loss.
• Transport students on outings and events.
• Complete status updates with graduates of all transition programs.
• Support in all facets of FBC Summer programs.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Special Education, Elementary Education, Instructional Design, Career Coaching, Educational Leadership, Disability Studies, or a related discipline is required.
• Experience in working with students with visual impairments preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of the IDEA parts B and C.
• Basic understanding of the ADA.
• Basic understanding of the Expanded in Core Curriculum.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives while maintaining quality services.
• Excellent communication, time-management, and digital organization skills.
• Prioritize student needs when decision making.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License required.
• Valid First Aid/CPR, Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, or ability to obtain clearance required.

Working Conditions: 

• Works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment
• Will spend time outdoors and offsite for periodic events.
• Schedule includes working weekends as needed.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required for to accommodate event schedules.
• Travel Percentage: Up to 20% Majority within Maricopa County

Physical Requirements: 

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Regular walking/standing.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to safely drive a 15 passenger van