Transition Specialist College and Career

Job Description

The Special Education College and Career Transition Specialist prepare students with disabilities in grades 10-12 for post-secondary life through exploration and experiences in:

• Transition Planning
• Career Exploration and Planning
• Postsecondary Education and/or Training Program Options
• Higher Education Options
• Higher Education Requirements and Application Processes

The Special Education College and Career Transition Specialist assists high school students with disabilities to explore and plan for post-secondary options focusing on enrollment in higher education or a postsecondary education/training program within one year of leaving high school. The Special Education College and Career Transition Specialist conduct lessons designed to assist students in identifying interests and plans for career and postsecondary education options. Additionally, the Specialist conducts transition assessments with High School students and assists with the development of post-secondary goals for their education or training transition planning.

The Special Education College and Career Transition Specialist supports high school students with a more in-depth study of potential careers with a focus on planning post-secondary education or training required to meet career goals.

Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in Special Education or related discipline required. Minimum of 5 years of teaching or related experience.

Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education license in Special Education or related discipline.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrates knowledge of transition assessments and ability to effectively communicate test results and analysis in a manner easily understood by the student.
• Demonstrates knowledge of college requirements and options for support for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of post-secondary education and training programs needed to meet student career goals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
• Ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with students, parents and school staff.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty and/or staff in a team environment.
• Possesses strong management and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates knowledge of Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, specifically regulations related to Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning
• Demonstrates knowledge of disability areas under IDEA and Virginia Regulations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how disabilities impact an individual's ability to function in the post-secondary setting.

Essential Functions:

• Meets individually with students, conducts college and career surveys/inventories.
• For students unsure of post-secondary plans:

• Plan and conduct lessons from the ACPS Career and Transition Curriculum, utilizing Virtual Job Shadow and Oneder resources as appropriate;
• Schedule virtual college tours (both community college and 4-year schools) and other postsecondary education or training programs that align with interests.
• Works collaboratively with Career and Technology Education (CTE) to ensure CTE is a consideration and least restrictive environment for students with disabilities considering vocational courses and activities.
• For students considering college:
• Schedule virtual college tours (both community college and 4-year schools).
• For students considering other postsecondary education or training program:
• Conduct virtual tours of programs that align with interests.
• Identify next steps - assist student(s) with organization and management of "things to do" - i.e. applications; essays; requesting references, etc.
• Explore options for funding program or college of interest; assist student(s) with planning for next steps (i.e. scholarships, grants, federal funding, etc.).
• Facilitates opportunities for SWDs to utilizes resources at the high school, to include: transcript specialist, case managers, counselors, College and Career Center and Scholarship Fund.
• Assists students in course selection process for Honors, Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement and provides resources and strategies, as needed.
• Support students and families in completing the FAFSA.
• Assists students in applying for college accommodations.
• Provides SWDs with an understanding of colleges and universities that support learning and social-emotional needs through specialized access and programs (smaller class sizes, extra academic and behavioral supports, tutoring programs, learning counselors, etc.).
• Collaborates with social workers on supporting students and families to address attendance issues.
• Works with Parent Resource Center (PRC) to provide parent training to support transition for their child.
• Provides students with opportunities to explore college and career pathways.
• Reviews timeline of the college admissions process (entrance exams, financial aid, common application, etc.).
• Collaborates with counselors and case managers to identify supports needed to ensure credits are being obtained.
• Identifies 1 st generation college students and determine additional supports needed to support college and career planning.
• Supports students in understanding the program of studies, career pathways and graduation requirements for both standard and advanced diplomas.
• Works collaboratively with school counselors and postsecondary education institutions to encourage students with disabilities to consider postsecondary education, make selections based on interests and preferences, and facilitate application activities to the institution, as needed.

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP

Primary Location:
Central Office
Salary Range:
Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale (http://www.acps.k12.va.us/hr/compensation/)
Shift Type:
Full-Time