1.0 Probationary Special Education Teacher (Transition Specialist)

Williamsville Central School District•East Amherst, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role focuses on providing direct educational support to students, with a specific emphasis on transition services. The teacher will play a key role in planning and implementing transition programs, assisting students and families in connecting with community resources, and serving as a liaison between various stakeholders including adult agencies, employers, and school district staff. The position requires a strong understanding of transition planning, special education regulations, and the ability to conduct vocational assessments and facilitate student opportunities in career exploration and work experience.

Requirements

Must possess a NYS certification - Special Education, K-12
Evidence of experience providing direct educational support to students.
Evidence of leadership in the provision of transition services.
Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.
Evidence of the ability to work as a member of a team.
Evidence of detailed and comprehensive record-keeping skills.
Evidence of having served as a liaison between school personnel, family and professionals in the community and/or agency settings.
Evidence of comprehensive knowledge of transition planning, special education regulations and guidelines.
Evidence of job development experience.
Evidence of experience working with ACCESS-VR, college student support centers, and other service agencies.
Ability to maintain student confidentiality and adherence to FERPA regulations.

Nice To Haves

Training and/or experience in working with children with various disabilities.
School experience working with high school aged students.
Experience working with job coaches.
Relevant experience to this setting and position.

Responsibilities

Plan and help provide staff development for District staff and families to ensure that transition planning and implementation occur.
Participate in case conferencing regarding participants and maintain student records.
Complete and provide the requested reports for IEP development and/or referral.
Assist students and families to connect to appropriate community agencies and supports (i.e., service coordination, counseling).
Serve as liaison between adult agencies and school district staff.
Serve as liaison between school district staff and employers’ internship sites.
Remain familiar with current research-based transition practices, including person-centered transition planning, family involvement, and use of community resources.
Be knowledgeable of funding resources, SSA benefits, and VR services.
Complete vocational assessments and interpret results to inform Transition Planning, VR referral, and IEP planning.
Facilitate student opportunities in the areas of career exploration, work experience, vocational training services, etc. to ensure appropriate levels of support and services.
Prepare referral packets with participants and families for referral to appropriate community and government agencies and supports (i.e., service coordination, counseling, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.)
Work collaboratively with Transition Specialists and the Directors of Student Services to develop and implement a best practices transition program, including expectations for job coaches, the charting of student performance and data collection, job placement procedures, etc.
Contact potential employers and develop appropriate job sites specific to individual student interests and needs.
Maintain ongoing contact with employers to ensure quality control of the overall program.
Provide programmatic support to job coaches.
Conduct parent and/or student meetings related to transition planning.
Provide students with direct instruction specific to resume writing, job applications, interviewing skills, as well as securing and maintaining employment.
Work directly with the student’s special education case manager and school counselor to develop Individualized Education Plans for students, write IEP goals and facilitate the development of consistent post-secondary objectives.
Other responsibilities as assigned by the Directors of Special Education or Building Principal.