HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST
(TRANSITION SPECIALIST)
JOB DESCRIPTION
SOUTH DAKOTASCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
This position reports to the Superintendent
and is an exempt Non-FLSA/Technical Position.
This position represents a cooperative agreement between the South DakotaSchool for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Transition Specialist:
I. Facilitates the development of the Transition Plan for students with visual impairments statewide.
A. Assists with arranging vocational assessments using resources at the SDSBVI, SBVI and/or local schools.
B. Assists students and members of their team in identifying post high school training and education options.
C. Assists students and members of their team to identify and prepare for potential employment.
D. Assists students and members of their team to identify and prepare for post high school living options.
E. Assists students and their teams to identify needs and appropriately address medical, recreational, fiscal, advocacy/legal, transportation, adaptive technology and other individual concerns.
II. Coordinates transition efforts with Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired to ensure cooperation and planning
A. Refers all students with visual impairments to SBVI at age 14.
B. Secures releases from parents as required so that information can be properly shared.
C. Facilitates communication and cooperation between SBVI rehabilitation specialists and families, local school districts and other service providers.
D. Attends initial ITP meetings with SBVI counselors.
III. Collaborates with the statewide systems change project.
A. Maintains an ongoing relationship with the systems change project and with DECA.
B. Shares information regarding transition and blindness-related issues with the systems change project personnel
C. Provides quarterly updates to systems change project director on transition of students with visual impairments.
IV Provides technical assistance, consultation and training to students, field and program staff, LEAs and parents.
A. Provides training in the transition process including legal responsibilities as well as the development and implementation of individual plans for students.
B. Provides information on adaptive/assistive devices.
C. Facilitates access to outside agencies and service providers.
HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
(TRANSITION SPECIALIST)
JOB DESCRIPTION
PAGE 2
V. Facilitates placement of students in work sites in local businesses statewide.
A. Provides technical assistance and support for the student's local team.
B. Works with family, school, SBVI personnel and others to implement an appropriate plan which would include work experiences, prior to graduation from high school
C. Works with the students, employer and others to resolve problems related to employment/independent living.
D. Provides technical assistance to employers regarding workplace modifications.
E. Provides technical assistance in adaptive aids and appliances to employers.
F. Works with SDSBVI transition program to secure Project Skills funding for students when local resources are not available.
VI. Establishes and maintains a current list of students with visual impairments of transition age statewide, including eligible students who are not on IEPs..
A. Updates the list quarterly and submits reports to SDSBVI and SBVI.
B. Tracks services received by students in transition.
VII. Maintains necessary records on student employment and progress.
A. Compiles and submits quarterly reports to SDSBVI and SBVI.
B. Maintains files of transition plans and students served. IWRPs, which are kept and maintained by local rehabilitation offices, will be made available to transition specialist and outreach staff. .
VIII. Attends meetings pertaining to transition upon request.
A. SDSBVI Advisory Council and SBVI Board
B. Individual Student Transition Meetings
C. Other relevant meetings
IX. Monitors and interprets state and federal laws/policies/regulations relating to transition services and provides that information to others as appropriate.
X. Develops and distributes materials describing the transition program and services available.
A. Prepares marketing materials.
B. Disseminates marketing materials to school districts, parents, students, tribal governments, consumer organizations and others who might benefit.
C. Contributes to SBVI Visions, SDSBVI Pioneer, and other publications upon request.
XI. Other
A. Performs other assignments as required by supervisor
B. Carries out duties efficiently, attentively, and conscientiously
C. Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
D. Ability to act professionally with clients and coworkers.
E. Ability to work under stress and deadlines.
(Revised 07/2015 – VE9967-121213)