School Program Liaison - Special Education - Extensive Support Employment Specialist / Job Developer

Santa Barbara Unified School District•Santa Barbara, CA

42d•$26 - $31

About The Position

Santa Barbara Unified School District is currently recruiting for an Extensive Support Employment Specialist / Job Developer / School Program Liaison. This position is 35 hours a week, 7 hours a day, Monday through Friday, 12 months of the year. Purpose of Position: To serve as a liaison for students enrolled in the Department of Rehabilitation to assist students with disabilities with the transition from high school to a work environment. Extra information important to this particular position includes the following: ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: Provide Program outreach presentations to students, parents/guardians, community organizations, partners, and businesses. Coordinate and maintain Program participant files. Maintain the current cumulative achievement of program service goals per fiscal year. Complete monthly PARs (Personnel Activity Reports) and mileage logs. Communicate with parents/guardians, relevant school site staff, Job Developer, Transition Services Coordinator, and Program Coordinator regarding program-related issues DIRECT SERVICE DUTIES: Job Exploration Counseling which includes: Provide group and/or individualized process by which a Program participant gains knowledge of career/employment paths and job opportunities and learns how to identify strengths, barriers to employment, viable vocational options, and objectives necessary to achieve one or more employment goals. Assist with identification of career pathways of interest to the Program participant, and the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in these occupations. Progress Report of Program participant's job exploration activities completed, findings, and recommendations will be provided to the referring DOR Counselor. WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING: May include, but not limited to, training in the following subject matter: Soft skills needed for successful employment including communication with coworkers, attitudes about work, decision-making while on the job, conflict-resolution skills, problem-solving techniques, and appropriate workplace written communication skills. Interviewing techniques Resume development Application preparation Appropriate work behaviors including grooming and hygiene while on the job, use of a cell phone, social media professionalism, maintaining a healthy lifestyle while at work, time management, developing friendships with coworkers, and community and workplace safety Employer expectations such as punctuality and performance Relevant work practices Travel training Financial literacy including money management and assistance in becoming knowledgeable regarding the impact of employment on a participant's disability and benefits Reporting on workplace readiness training activities will be provided to the referring DOR Counselor. WORK-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES: Provide participants with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career/employment opportunities Monitor the participant's performance in the work environment Fade support as the participant's skill and independence level increases Liaise between participant and business to bridge needs of the employer while providing real world work experience Work with school staff to complete the steps necessary to participate in Work Experience as appropriate such as, but not limited to fingerprinting, TB test, school district application/onboarding process. Provide job coaching as appropriate for students on caseload as well as assisting with job coaching for other program participants dependent on need and when feasible. Identify appropriate work clothing/uniform needs for Work Experiences and manage the ordering, distribution, and/or return of ordered item(s) The Extensive Support Employment Specialist / School Program Liaison will submit written progress reports on Work Experience/Internships to the DOR Counselor on a monthly basis. INSTRUCTION IN SELF-ADVOCACY: Teach particpants to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate, or assert his/her/their own interests and/or desires as they relate to successful employment. Self-Advocacy instruction may train participants in the following skills as they related to successful employment: Self-awareness Disability understanding and disclosure Self-determination Setting goals Reasonable accomodation factors Utilizing available resources and support systems Taking a leadership role in the IEP, 504, or other person-centered planning process Positive self-talk Understanding workplace rights and workplace responsibilities Effective communication and interpersonal skills Progress Report of participant's Self-Advocacy instruction activities will be provided to the referring DOR Counselor. COUNSELING ON POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: Provide services including instruction with curricular supports which can be provided in a classroom, group, or individual setting. Participants interested in careers requiring post-secondary education/training may receive guidance on how skill development and knowledge related to future opportunities in post-secondary education settings and employment. Counseling on post-secondary education/training may include instruction in the following subject matters: Explore career/employment & post-secondary education and training options Learn about career pathways Discover post-secondary education/training resources and disability support services Identify and connect participant with resources/supports and aid with the application/enrollment process Identify and connect participant with financial aid options and resources/supports for assistance with application process Identify technology needs Attend college fairs and tours Progress Reports for Program participants on Counseling on Post-Secondary Education activities will be provided to the referring DOR Counselor. ADDITIONAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE: Service provision to participants with extensive support needs at all three of the district's comprehensive high schools, focusing on the Program participants between 18-22 years. As appropriate, work with teachers of participants with extensive support needs in grades 9-12 who are 16+ years, to assist with implementing applicable DOR Student Services-related curriculum and other related supports. Aid classroom teachers in developing, selecting, and implementing DOR Student Services curriculum. Establish a schedule with classroom teachers to rotate consistently between sites to ensure equal coverage. Collaborate with DOR to support program participants through program services. Collaborate with school site Transition Program teachers/staff to develop a plan to provide DOR Student Services to program participants with extensive support needs in conjunction with school program and existing supports. Establish individual/group worksites on/off campus and assist school staff in coordinating transportation and on the job support. Assist in coordinating with and establishing appropriate agency linkages to provide supplemental support. As appropriate, bring in service providers, agencies, organizations, etc., to present/interact with participants as appropriate. Assist in organizing potential field trips/tours of relevant agencies/organizations, and local industries/employers. Attend Program meetings (Quarterly, Employment Specialists, and Bridges Team meetings). Collaborate with community businesses and partners such as participation in community employer and job developer networks. Maintain participant case documentation. Other duties as assigned This position was created exclusively to provide a unique service under the cooperative contract with DOR; therefore, there are no traditional education agency duties. The remainder of time worked by the Extensive Support Employment Specialist/Job Developer is identified on the VR Employment Services Budget. Essential Functions listed for correlating School Program Liaison position: Assist students with a variety of college preparatory study programs, testing, application requirements, and/or assist students with vocational or career opportunities, job leads, applications and placement. Coordinate and schedule meetings with counselors, administrators, college or university representatives or local business owners. Develop and conduct career seminars or information meetings; assist students with research activities related to college or university educational programs, and/or assist students with career exploration or job searches. Set up, facilitate and accompany students on campus tours; assist students with the completion of admission documents, financial aid and related materials. Monitor and periodically evaluate student class placement and progress; assist in coordinating and overseeing tutorial programs, including recruiting, training and providing work direction to tutors. Participate in case review activities with Department of Rehabilitation counselors as required. Perform related duties as assigned. Maintain punctual and consistent attendance. Working Conditions & Physical Demands: Primarily indoor work environment with some exposure to weather conditions during campus trips or travel in the local community. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to monitor students and read a variety of documents; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard or other office equipment; ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time; bending, stooping, or reaching above the shoulders to store or retrieve materials.

Requirements

Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the Department of Rehabilitation
Knowledge of community resources and job placement and development practices.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, District staff, Department of Rehabilitation staff, and work collaboratively with a number of stakeholders.
Oral and written communications skills.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions.
Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by college-level coursework in counseling, psychology or related field, and two (2) years of experience in an educational setting, or demonstrated ability to fulfill the essential functions of the position.

Responsibilities

Provide Program outreach presentations to students, parents/guardians, community organizations, partners, and businesses.
Coordinate and maintain Program participant files.
Maintain the current cumulative achievement of program service goals per fiscal year.
Complete monthly PARs (Personnel Activity Reports) and mileage logs.
Communicate with parents/guardians, relevant school site staff, Job Developer, Transition Services Coordinator, and Program Coordinator regarding program-related issues
Provide group and/or individualized process by which a Program participant gains knowledge of career/employment paths and job opportunities and learns how to identify strengths, barriers to employment, viable vocational options, and objectives necessary to achieve one or more employment goals.
Assist with identification of career pathways of interest to the Program participant, and the skills and qualifications necessary to be successful in these occupations.
Assist students with a variety of college preparatory study programs, testing, application requirements, and/or assist students with vocational or career opportunities, job leads, applications and placement.
Coordinate and schedule meetings with counselors, administrators, college or university representatives or local business owners.
Develop and conduct career seminars or information meetings; assist students with research activities related to college or university educational programs, and/or assist students with career exploration or job searches.
Set up, facilitate and accompany students on campus tours; assist students with the completion of admission documents, financial aid and related materials.
Monitor and periodically evaluate student class placement and progress; assist in coordinating and overseeing tutorial programs, including recruiting, training and providing work direction to tutors.
Participate in case review activities with Department of Rehabilitation counselors as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Maintain punctual and consistent attendance.