Job Description:

The Special Education Career Awareness Transition Specialist prepares students with disabilities in grades 3 - 9 for post-secondary life through exploration, instruction, and practical experiences in:

• Career Awareness
• Career Exploration
• Personal Interest Awareness
• Workplace Readiness Skills
• Transition Planning

The Special Education Career Awareness Transition Specialist assists elementary and middle school students in identifying and developing the essential skills necessary for increasing self-determination in order to advocate for their needs through the IEP process. The Career Awareness Transition Specialist meets with elementary and middle school special education case managers to provide resources and support in implementing the "I'm Determined "project for students with disabilities. The Specialist assists middle school students as they begin to consider high school and postsecondary options through career awareness and career exploration activities. The Career and Awareness Transition Specialist conducts lessons designed to assist students in identifying their own potential roles, interests, and plans for the future as workforce members while exploring career options. The Career Awareness Transition Specialist conducts transition assessments with Middle School Students beginning at age 14 and assists with developing post-secondary goals for their initial IEP Transition Plan. The Career Awareness Transition Specialist supports high school students with the in-depth study of potential careers with a focus on exploring career options based on individual interests and skills, developing and/or improving skills necessary for success in employment, such as interpersonal/coworker relationships, providing assistance in designing High School course schedules to support student's post-secondary 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 the VDOE "I'm Determined" project.
• Demonstrates knowledge of transition skills and content coupled with the ability to effectively communicate information and options in a manner easily understood by the student.
• Demonstrates knowledge of transition assessments and ability to effectively communicate test results and analysis in a manner easily understood by the student
• 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 categories under IDEA and Virginia Regulations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how disabilities impact an individual's ability to function in the post-secondary setting.

Essential Functions:

• Provides information and training for staff and students regarding post-secondary transition and self-determination.
• Conducts training, models the use of materials, and provides support surrounding the implementation of the VDOE "I'm Determined" project.
• Conducts informal and formal transition assessments with groups or individual students to identify strengths, needs, preferences, and interests.
• Conducts lessons utilizing resources that allow students to explore career options and their interests and skills.
• Provides professional development and support to special education teachers regarding IEP transition planning requirements.
• Provides consultation to special education staff regarding transition opportunities for students served by special education.
• Collaborates with special education staff in the preparation of IEP transition plans.
• Works with Parent Resource Center (PRC) to provide parent training to support the transition for their child.

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