Transition Specialist

Overview

Conducts and monitors implementation of transition services on a student’s IEP, such as training, education and, where appropriate, independent living skills.

Includes transporting students to employment placements or job experiences. Classroom assignments are subject to change based on program needs.

Responsibilities

STANDARD 1: Professional Duties

• Train students to perform volunteer job tasks at the community site.      
• Attend staff and parent meetings as assigned.                             
• Act as liaison between job training site and students.                                           
• Fulfill specific assignments as required by supervisor.
• Assure safety of students during community and center-based activities.
• Prompt students to interact appropriately with peers and with people in the community.                 
• Report student’s success/satisfaction and/or problems/concerns encountered during activities to the Education Center’s Transition Coordinator.
• Ensure that all students scheduled for transport are present at departure.
• Perform related duties, as required.
• Provide assistance to students in money handling as needed.                                                    
• Ensure protection of students from neglect/abuse during community activities and report incidents to Program Supervisor.
• Whenever appropriate, train students to travel independently.
• Complete required paperwork on each student.

STANDARD 2: Professional Conduct

• Cooperate and conduct self in manner appropriate to an education setting.
• Adhere to program specific policies and procedures.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

STANDARD 3: Professional Development

• Attend and participate in required in-services and staff development in an appropriate manner.
• Attend and participate in supervision and implement recommendations appropriately.
• Attend monthly staff meetings with Transition Program Coordinator.

STANDARD 4: Adheres to general policies of the organization/regulators including:

• Code of Ethical Conduct.                                                     
• Emergency/disaster preparedness protocols.                                                                                          
• Departmental in-service education program requirements; may need to fulfill hours outside of agency hours.
• Fire/Safety prevention protocols.
• Policies and procedures (attendance, punctuality, appearance, professional attitude, etc.)
• Quality Improvement activities.
• Job related self-development education activities.
• Infection control practices and procedures.
• Regulatory requirements and annual physical examination and Mantoux testing.

STANDARD 5: Performs other related duties as required.

• Demonstrate understanding of the needs of students and visitors for each specific age group.
• Address safety and psychological needs of the special age groups, as appropriate, in the performance of work activities.
• Address the needs of special groups, hearing impaired, physically challenged and various issues relating to the program and facility.
• Maintain student and family confidentiality.  Refrain from discussing the child in front of them.
• Consistently courteous and considerate, in person and on the telephone, in interactions with students and others such as family, visitors, vendors, and other employees.
• Exhibit the “At Your Service” attitude, i.e., smiles, uses positive eye contact, friendly, open and approachable.
• Respond quickly to students and/or parent/guardian’s request, refers to appropriate member of the care team, if necessary, and informs supervisor of actions taken.
• Promote positive co-worker relationships, teamwork and cooperation.
• Work collaboratively and is respectful of others.
• Take individual responsibility for providing outstanding service quality.   

STANDARD  6: Cultural Competencies

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of disability, genders, ethnicity and races.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and manage personal behaviors to create an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services to students and families.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or Equivalent required
• Fingerprint and SCR Clearance required
• NYS Valid and Qualified Driver’s License required and maintained

Physical aspects may include but are not limited to lifting and transferring of any student within the education setting and when out in the community.