Division:Special Education

Position Type:

11 Month

Work Hours: M-F

(Job Grade: 17)

Summary:

The Transition Coordinator embraces a continuous improvement mindset to strengthen Kalamazoo County’s transition services for all transition age students as they prepare for exit from special education services. Promotes innovative and collaborative approaches for school and community resources & personnel to create a shared vision for a compassionate community that is prepared to support all people with disabilities in our community. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with KRESA Program Improvement and Accountability Director, plan, coordinate, and implement professional development for local education agencies and KRESA as it relates to transition.
• Drive a focus within Kalamazoo County on outcomes for students in the areas of employment, creation of natural supports for students, and connections to community agencies
• Annually update Transition Outcomes Survey to collect transition data
• Coordinate meetings with county wide Special Education Administration to review and analyze Transition Outcomes Survey data to develop systems change for continuous improvement
• Communicate with and regularly cascade information to the service area transition coordinators
• Communicate important transition-related information to regional directors and county wide special education administrators and make recommendations for changes to improve services and outcomes.
• Maintain a transition “network” (CWTT) for the county. Establish a vision and mission to support the development of yearly goals. Track progress towards yearly goals for the CWTT and report on progress to regional directors.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with local district Transition Coordinators or representatives.
• Work with KRESA Communications and Community Engagement department to develop a communication plan and update the website for the purpose of sharing the transition outcomes and available resources to community stakeholders.
• Coach local district teams in understanding the process to create and implement clear, logical student driven transition plans that produce strong results for students.
• Maintain regular communication with the MRS transition counselor and know the status of the connection process for Kalamazoo County transition youth
• Assist community partners (such as MRS, ISK, and KVCC) in removing barriers for students to connect to transition services.
• Collaborate with EFA/Career Connect/Work Based Learningand local district staff to support the unique needs of students.
• Collect and analyze data of students with disabilities in EFA/Career Connect/Work Based Learning and their success in these programs.
• Host Annual Transition Fair by partnering with community agencies.
• Participate in transition related YAP, ISK, and DART meetings.
• Collaborate with KVCC to offer the Starting Smart Transition program to local district juniors and seniors. 
• Develop a collaborative relationship with YAP leadership to support students accessing transition services.
• Be an expert in secondary transition compliance and facilitate the yearly collection of State Performance Plan Indicator part B13 data.
• Review transition plans on a yearly schedule to provide feedback to local districts and KRESA programs.
• Offer follow-up one on one coaching to ensure compliance standards are adhered to and to improve best practiceusage in districts
• Use Catamaran to enter SPP B-13 data, address Student Level Corrective Action Plans (SLCAP), Corrective Action Plan (CAP) development, and CAP verificationsas required by the MDE.
• Assist local districts with the completion of SPP B-13 related tasks in Catamaran as required by the MDE
• Assist the KRESA Program Improvement and Accountability team in completing required monitoring activities as delegated to KRESA by the MDE
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.

Certificates, License, Registration: 

Michigan Teaching Certificate; bachelor's degree or graduate degree in special education; Minimum of 3 years teaching in vocational or special education at the secondary level or a minimum of three years of satisfactory employment providing transition related service to individuals with disabilities ages 13 to 26.

Other Skill & Abilities: 

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism. Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures. Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients. Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions. Ability to apply current research and theory to instructional programs. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and the community. Ability to speak clearly and concisely in written and oral communication. Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software. Ability to problem solve. Maintain confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

There are no supervisory responsibilities in this role.

Physical Demands: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment: 

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district. 

It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.