The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton is seeking a Transition Specialist to plan, coordinate, deliver and evaluate transition education and services for students with sensory impairment and other disabilities. This position is for Academic Year 2008 – 2009 beginning August 2008. As with all school positions, funding is contingent upon final approval of the budget by the Governor and General Assembly.
Responsibilities include:
- Develops and coordinates a school to work transition program
- Secures job training sites and supervises job coaches
- Establishes a community-based instruction program
- Oversees career and age-appropriate transition assessments
- Teaches classes, as appropriate
- Establishes and maintains effective communication and professional/community relations
- Provides ongoing staff development
Minimum Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, psychology, special education, rehabilitation or a related discipline required; Masters Degree preferred.
- A valid Virginia teaching license issued by the Board of Education with an endorsement in Career and Technical Education – Vocational Special Needs is preferred
- Experience in providing transition services to students who are deaf and/or blind and students with significant cognitive and/or physical disabilities, preferred
- Knowledge of child growth and development, and special needs of children with deafness and or blindness and significant cognitive disabilities and methods for linking appropriate academic content to transition-related goals
- Ability to develop transition plans that are compliant with regulations governing special education programs for children with disabilities, ADA and other rehabilitation labor and civil rights laws
- Ability to plan and implement effective transition strategies that ensure the inclusion of specific transition goals in student Individualized Education Program (IEP) and promotes matching student skills and interests to employment settings, person centered planning, community integration and successful post-secondary services
- Ability to use and interpret a variety of formal and informal career, transition and vocational assessment for students, families and professionals
- Knowledge of developing work study programs and creating jobs for students with disabilities in the community that incorporate assistive technology and natural supports
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, community agencies, and employers
- Ability to use program evaluation procedures to assess and improve the effectiveness of transition services including evaluation and tracking of VSDB students’ post-school outcomes
- Ability to supervise the work of job coaches and other staff involved in student work programs and settings
- Proficiency level of “Advanced” in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must be obtained per school policies
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform repetitive motion to include standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, walking, bending, and climbing
Note: A criminal history check will be required for final candidates.
Applications must be completed on-line at http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. For assistance call TDD (540) 332-9069, FAX (540) 332-9042, or visit our website at www.vsdbs.virginia.gov.
EEO/AA