Transition Coordinator

REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree and Pennsylvania State Teaching Certification in Special Education PK-12.

It is the responsibility of the employee to comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania Act 48 (completion of 180 continuing professional education hours every 5 years) to maintain an active teaching certificate and completion of the required coursework to obtain his/her Instructional II certification (if applicable).

• Successful completion of all required background checks, physical

(as required by the PA Department of Education), TB test, professional/personal reference checks and any applicable pre-employment requirements of the position.

Preferred

• Previous experience working with students with autism, emotional disturbances, and learning disabilities.
• Knowledge and experience in the areas of Special Education, Indicator 13 of the State Performance Plan required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, career planning, personal-social development, state and federal special education regulation and law related to transition age youth, instructional best practices, integration of technology into the classroom, alternative assessment strategies, 21st century work skills and social emotional learning for the workplace.

OBJECTIVES

1. Develop and implement programs, incorporating best practices and facilitating compliance with federal and state mandates and regulations, with particular emphasis on transition.

2. Assist in the integration of the Academic Standards for Career Education and Work into the curriculum and daily instruction.

3. Ensure that transition activities and services are addressed for each eligible student.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists with developing a plan that reflects all the activities, experiences & services that need to be done beginning at age 14 or younger when appropriate, to help the student prepare for the transition to the adult world.

2. Assists the teachers and IEP teams with writing Standards based IEPs & including integration of the Academic Standard for Career Education & Work.

3. Attends IEP and ER/RR meetings for students who will turn 14 years old during the period the document is in effect.

4. Assists with writing the Summary of Performance for students who are graduating.

5. Ensures that all IEP's comply with Work Experience for High School Students with Disabilities (ACT 26).

6. Assists school districts with the distribution of transition portfolios, Indicator 13 requirements and Indicator 14 surveys.

7. Disseminates appropriate assessment materials to parents, students, and school staff.

8. Leads and co-leads various instructional groups including career education, social skills and employment work-place skills and parent education sessions.

9. Collaborates with outside agencies such as OVR, Office of MH/MR & other services agencies providing services to adults.

10. Assists with locating & identifying community linkages, services, supports or programs as well as activities and strategies for students.

11. Attends local Transition Council meetings.

12. Collaborates with outside businesses and/or agencies in relation to career exposure/ employment and/or community integration opportunities.

13. Assists with the access and use of the PA Career Education & Work Standards Toolkit and SAS website.

14. Assists teachers with developing transition portfolios and/or senior graduation.

15. Provides technical assistance throughout the year regarding Transition & other topics, as requested, and provides follow-up activities and/or materials as needed to insure implementation of exemplary practices.

16. Provides ongoing support to teachers and students in developing work-related behaviors, seeking employment, exploring careers, pursuing skills training, taking apprenticeship training, and finding actual employment with a particular emphasis on basic employee behaviors, such as staying on task, responding appropriately to instructions, working a team, working under pressure and developing skills for self-advocacy.

17. Promotes positive interactions with staff, students, parents, and education community partners by helping to include students in social, recreational and leisure activities, routine appointments, shipping, banking, transportation, or experiences in local government settings.

18. Completes the administration of interest inventories, performs situational assessments, conducts observations, and assists with formal and informal measures.

19. Assists teachers with analyzing data, determining strengths & needs, and writing appropriate goals/objectives and SDI to address each area of transition.

20. Provides staff and students with a variety of web-based tools and resources on transition and career exploration.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Maintains comprehensive and accurate documentation regarding student/parent contact and contacts outside of the organization.

2. Assists the Education Director with the maintenance of student transcripts and transition portfolios.

CRISIS PREVENTION/INTERVENTION

1. Understands and implements Pace policy and procedure regarding emergencies and mandated reporting requirements.

2. Participates in behavioral assessments for students as directed. This may include structured or unstructured classroom observations, completion of rating scales, and/or collaboration with student’s IEP or treatment team.

3. Maintains certification in the Physical Crisis Management System and consistently applies knowledge of crisis intervention such as verbal de-escalation techniques, nonconfrontational limit setting.

4. Utilizes physical restraint/management techniques and procedures, in accordance with Pace policies, only as a last resort intervention to keep a child/adolescent safe from harming him/herself or others.

5. Implements the behavioral management program set forth by Pace procedures and adapts to meet the needs of students.

6. Perform and/or assist on an as needed basis, to the students’ physical needs, and personal hygiene needs (e.g., diapering, toileting, grooming, feeding, etc.), following safety standards.

Additionally, follow proper procedures in handling and disposing of body fluids.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains familiarity with Pace policies and procedures, and complies with established employment procedures (i.e., use of sick leave, dress code, use of personal cell phone, Internet, and email acceptable user policies).

2. Implements and adheres to all established policies and procedures, not limited to the Pace policies and procedures, clinical manuals, procedural manuals, and the Emergency Response Plan.

3. Serves as an appropriate role model to children/adolescents and families by maintaining composure and objectivity through the execution of all duties.

4. Participates in work groups and committees involving policy development, quality improvement, or enhancement of services.

5. Interacts with others in a professional manner that demonstrates understanding of trauma- informed care.

6. Participates in continuing education activities as required by certification or program needs.

7. Meets with supervisor routinely for supervision.

8. Participates in professional development goal setting and annual summative evaluation with supervisor according to established procedures and timelines.

9. Performs other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned by supervisor.

SENSORY ABILITIES

• Visual acuity to read written material, computer screen, multimedia screen

• Auditory acuity to be able to use the telephone, interview child/adolescent/families, participate in staff meetings, listen to questions/concerns

• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly

SPECIFIC SKILLS

• Must be proficient user of software application including word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentation.

• Must maintain confidentiality of information.

• Ability to use office/technology equipment accurately.

• Ability to use multimedia equipment for group meetings/presentations

Pace is an Equal Opportunity Employment, Educational/Service Organization.