Job Responsibilities

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still being considered and need not reapply. About Our Agency

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of :

• intellectual disability and related disabilities
• autism spectrum disorder
• traumatic brain injury
• spinal cord injury and similar disability

Job Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of Director of Employment, Day and Transition Services, the Transition Coordinator is responsible for facilitating the preparation of students, who are eligible for SDDSN services, for the successful transition between school programs and work settings or post -secondary education / training.

Inform students / families, school staff and teachers about DDSN eligibility and services in order to ensure that all eligible students have access to resources available to support a successful transition from high school to the adult world.

Maximize the opportunities for transition age students who are eligible for DDSN services by collaborating with students / families and schools / school staff to ensure effective transition practices so that students leave high school prepared for the adult world.

This will be accomplished by providing knowledge and resources directly to students / families, informing schools and districts on the role of DDSN as it relates to employment, collaborating with SCVRD to ensure successful employment outcomes, and providing training / assistance to Case Managers when securing long-term employment support for those individuals working.

• Collaborate with school districts, providers and state agency partners to build capacity to ensure community integration and supported employment as the preferred post-school option regardless of student's disability.
• Accomplishment will be by collaborating on state-wide initiatives with LEAs, SEA, DDSN providers, SCVRD, TASC and other agencies / organizations focusing on seamless transition from secondary to post-secondary activities without duplication of services;

participating in local / state initiatives that promote employment and consumer choice; participating in conferences.

Work cooperatively with Employment, Transition and Day Coordinators and other members of DDSN Central Office to complete identified team projects / tasks and assignments.

Maintain knowledge of, and adhere to, DDSN policies and directives, legislative initiatives and federal mandates that impact Employment and Transition Services.

Demonstrate professional best practices by attending administrative meetings, work sessions, professional seminars, etc.

in person as required by the position. This will include attending, contributing and being prepared for DDSN meetings as scheduled.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes :

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A Bachelor's degree and relevant program experience. Valid South Carolina Teaching Certificate in an area related to Special Education such as in the area of Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, School Psychology, Speech Language Pathology, etc.

Frequent in-state travel during and outside of business hours required; occasional overnight travel in and out of state possible.

Must maintain valid SC Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology or another related field; along with certification in Special Education (or Vocational Education with coursework in Special Education), Master's degree in Special Education or related field preferred.

Three plus (3 ) years of experience in the field of Special Education and Transition services; three plus (3 ) years of experience working with families of people with disabilities;

experience and familiarity with best practices in Post-Secondary Transition services and / or supported / customized employment for people with ID / RD or Autism.

Additional Comments

About Our Agency : The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement : DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

• Employment Contingency : Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings : medical screening to include a drug screening;
• State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS List of Excluded Individuals / Entities screening;

SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials.We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and / or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization : If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment.

All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan : In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral : The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program.

You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions : Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

Last updated : 2024-04-28