Transition Alliance Program Specialist

The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist will develop, coordinate, and oversee services within the TAP program to introduce, explore and facilitate vocational opportunities for students with disabilities. The TAP Specialists will provide services to youth in the areas of: assessment, intake, job development and placement activities (including short term job coaching), facilitate community based work experiences, collaboration with Iowa Vocational Rehab ( IVRS) and Sioux City Community School staff, support transition plans for students with Individual Education Plans (IEP), individual student vocational counseling aligned to student goals, provide group vocational skill building, and maintain case records and necessary documentation. The TAP Specialist is a shared position between the Sioux City Community School District and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Communicate effectively with TAP participants, their parents/caregivers, high school staff and IVRS
Self-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlines
Oversee the development and implementation of individual plans for employment
Able to keep accurate, up-to-date records
Carry out expected duties including student intake, screening, evaluation, goal development, community placement, vocational support, vocational counseling and communication
Able to deal with problems and crisis situations as needed
Able to develop positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals from a diverse population
Work cooperatively with community employers to develop supportive relationships to increase vocational access for students with disabilities
Must promote a positive attitude regarding TAP, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Sioux City Community School District to schools, families, businesses and the public in general
Must have computer skills necessary to perform job searches, assist students with on-line and vocational and educational activities on the computer
Collaborate with IVRS, school administrators, school counselors, and special education teachers
Oversee job coaching and training activities on work sites, complete evaluation and exploration activities at job shadowing sites
Assist students with writing resumes, filling out job applications, practicing for interviews, teaching positive work habits and developing interpersonal skills that promote long term employment
Support community living skills like proper hygiene, budgeting, use of public transportation, and other daily living skills
Develop and implement summer activities for students and families in cooperation with IVRS
Encourage employers to use job incentives, consult with employers in problem situations and coordinate services with other resources based on individual need
Complete other record keeping and clerical duties as required by the TAP Program
QUALIFICATIONS
Have a valid driver's license
BA/BS in Education or a Human Services related area
Previous experience in the area of transitioning of individuals into the world of work and who have Job Coaching Certification is preferred
Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred

EVALUATION
Job performance will be evaluated according to the terms defined in the negotiated
agreement.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical to the success of this position. Must possess the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of
individuals, including school staff, administrators, AEA staff, parents, and outside agency
staff. Individual must have effective listening skills.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Promotes the District and special education programs through positive support, modeling,
and conversations. The TAP Specialist is a collaborative team member that speaks positively and in a supportive way about education, teaching, learning, and the District.

PROBLEM-SOLVING, & FACILITATION SKILLS
Must be an effective team member and facilitator in a variety of situations. Position
requires the ability to support educators and teams in enhancing skills and program
planning for students with disabilities.

ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLS
Must have skills in observing and gathering data that will be used for decision making.

ATTENDANCE
Excellent attendance record is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Normal office physical demands. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds infrequently.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally employee works
inside.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
Will perform other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee,
necessary and appropriate to achievement of the program and/or District goals and
objectives