San Juan Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Durango Office

701 Camino del Rio, Suite 221

Durango, Colorado 81301

970-247-3261 

Title: School To Work Alliance (SWAP) Specialist 

Length of Work Year: 210 or 224 days - Work days are spread throughout a 12-month calendar year. Flexible work schedule

Salary Range: Step 1 - San Juan BOCES benefit package included

Starting Date: Immediately

Supervision Received: From SWAP Coordinator and San Juan BOCES Executive Director. 

The SWAP Specialist position requires independent work.

Job Description:  We are looking for someone passionate about helping young adults and who is excellent at self-direction. Making connections with area employers and community agencies, as well as working closely with education staff in Durango and surrounding school districts, is of utmost importance for this position. A comfort level with teaching classes to young adults, a creative mindset, and a willingness to work with a great variety of people and personality types is necessary. 

This position will require working with both in- and out-of-school youth, ages 15 – 24, and helping participants through various one-on-one and group activities to take the necessary steps to achieve their career goals. The position requires a great deal of record-keeping, case management, and reporting paperwork duties. Attention to detail, computer skills (Word, Excel, Google Docs, etc.), and writing abilities are also essential for success in this job.

Job Responsibilities:

• Walking youth and families through the application process for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) program. Assisting in obtaining records to determine eligibility for DVR services.
• Administering assessments to help determine vocational interests, abilities, strengths, and concerns.
• Assisting youth with career exploration activities, training resources and options, and creating realistic career goals.
• Teaching job-seeking skills training, including resume preparation, interviewing skills, and how to conduct an effective job search.
• Assisting youth with their job search, including helping to identify job openings among area employers. Job-related instruction and supervision are needed to develop specific job skills and general work behaviors.
• Teaching success-on-the-job skills to youth through written materials, videos, and lesson plans.
• Following up with youth and possibly employers after job placement to ensure success on the job and assist youth in addressing any problems that may arise.
• Works closely with local school districts, SJBOCES, and Exceptional Students Service staff. You will be an integral part of the SJBOCES Transition Team in your school district(s).
• Provide job coaching as needed. 
• Provide independent living skills training.
• Provide case management to coordinate access to other services and agency linkages.
• Fulfills any other responsibilities as designated by the Special Education Director and SWAP Coordinator. 

Qualifications: 

1. Minimum high school diploma.
2. Must have some experience working with young adults (15-24 yrs.) in a mentoring role. Knowledge of disabilities preferred.
3. Experience in the areas of secondary education, vocational rehabilitation, or career development is preferred. 
4. The ability to stay organized, work independently, and be self-directed (ability to work with little direction).
5. Possess problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
6. Ability to develop and maintain business relationships, resulting in client work experiences and employment for SWAP clients.
7. Computer skills required: Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suites

Certificates, Licenses, & Registration: The position requires traveling between job and school sites. Mileage reimbursement is available based on minimum mileage requirements. Must have and maintain current driver’s license, reliable vehicle, auto insurance, and good driving record.

Essential Physical Requirements: Occasional lifting 5-25 pounds

Frequent standing, sitting, bending & squatting, kneeling, stooping.