Special Education Transition Technician

Position Title:  Special Education Transition Technician
Department:  Special Education
Supervisor:  Principal at assigned location 
Term of Employment:  9 months

Salary Classification:  10          

Job Summary:  Support the process of secondary transition planning for youth with disabilities by facilitating the completion of a variety of activities identified in the Individual Education Plan (IEP). This position requires work with youth that have a wide range of disabilities, working individually or in a small group settings and collaboration with a variety of school personnel/departments, outside agencies, families and community partners. 

Essential Functions:  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following.  Other duties may be assigned:

• Coordinate and execute assessments and activities for career exploration.
• Assist students with identifying and accessing a path to their chosen career/employment goal.
• Gather and organize information for transition planning and ECAP development.
• Facilitate and support student involvement in school and community experiences.
• Locate and share resources for education or training, employment and/or independent living for transitioning youth.
• Assist in the delivery of instruction related to job readiness, disability awareness and independent living.
• Provide information and resources needed for travel and community mobility.
• Coordinate annual Transition/IEP review meetings.
• Coordinate and participate in activities related to outreach and recruitment of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients.
• Facilitate the VR referral process by gathering and submitting necessary documentation as directed.
• Support VR clients in the development of their Individual Plan of Employment prior to enrollment in the TSW courses.
• Coordinate, collaborate and exchange information with school personnel across disciplines and departments.
• Collaborate and coordinate with outside agencies to facilitate participation in transition planning meetings.
• Create and maintain school and community connections for student exploration activities.
• Provide transportation for students to access community experiences arranged by the school.
• Develop and implement data collection methods to monitor student progress towards postsecondary goals.
• Maintain a schedule of activities and documentation of student contact and other actions.
• Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality regarding all student history and records.
• Attend district meetings and trainings as required.
• Attend Vocational Rehabilitation/ADE meetings, trainings and seminars regarding TSW procedures and practices.
• Follow district and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Special Education Transition Services Coordinator.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA and other legislative acts that effect education and employment of people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of community employment market and labor trends.
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all stakeholders
• Skills in operating a computer and utilizing a variety of software applications including but not limited to Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook
• Skills in verbal and written communication including interpreting and expressing ideas and directions.
• Skills in organization and management of materials, records, resources and other information
• Skills in time management and task prioritization
• Must demonstrate the following capabilities:
  • Ability to work autonomously and self-monitor
  • Ability to work independently with students (individually or in small groups) in the school and community settings
  • Ability to problem solve, adapt and change routines or activities quickly as situations arise
  • Ability to respond with appropriate behavioral management strategies when working with youth
  • Ability to perform a variety of multi-step activities and manage a flexible schedule
  • Ability to establish and maintain a positive rapport with students and work professionally with school staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Required:

• Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree OR
• Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution OR
• Have met a rigorous standard of quality by demonstrating knowledge on a Paraprofessional Assessment, available at the Peoria Unified School District Office
• At least 1 year working with people or youth to gain skills and/or participate in education/training opportunities designed to prepare a person for a career or employment.
• At least 1 year working with youth ages 14-22

Preferred:

• Previous experience in social services or education working with individuals that have special needs or at-risk youth.
• College coursework completion in education, business, social services or human relations.
• Experience working in the public sector

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:    

• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearence check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver\'s license.
• Ability to operate a district vehicle is required for this position.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be required to assist with students that have mobility impairments with transfers
• May be required to work outside normal working hours
• Will be required to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities