Transition Coordinator- Employment ServicesPay Rate: $26.80-$28.80 per hourAbilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds, and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Abilities First is seeking a full time Transition Coordinator. The Transition Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Community Based School to Work and Prevocational Services programs as outlined in the position standards. The Coordinator will ensure that all individuals receiving services maximize their personal and vocational potential in their community through assessment, program planning and training.Position Standards School to Work • Act as a positive liaison between the department and all related parties in community-based School to Work efforts.• Provide direct supervision of School to Work employees.• In cooperation with School to Work staff, actively build participation of local employers in the program.• Develop relationships with both current and new districts that result in expanded referrals and/or contracts with Employment Services.• In cooperation with school personnel, identify appropriate students for the Career Exploration and Work Study components of the Community Based Vocational Program.• Attend all relevant school meetings to gain knowledge of students to enter either Career Exploration or Work Study (should include annual IEP meeting).• Provide guidance/assistance in preparing weekly soft skills lessons for classroom instruction. Lead instruction and/or provide modeling to direct staff during weekly student lessons.• Work in cooperation with the Director of Employment Services to make as seamless a transition as possible between school sponsored programming to community based Supported Employment for adults.• Ensure authorizations for payment and/or executed contracts for payment of student participation in Career Exploration or Work Study are signed by appropriate school personnel prior to a student beginning programming.• Ensure accurate student billing is completed on a weekly basis. Manage contract requirements and financial viability of the program.• Attend parent workshops along with school personnel to address parents' questions and concerns about student programming.• Attend transition fairs including the preparation of display and presentation materials.Community Prevocational Services • Oversee all aspects of the work readiness classroom at the Dutchess Community College (Think Ahead Program).• Participate in the admissions process for individuals applying to the program.• Identify and act as a liaison with businesses in the community to further develop vocational opportunities.• Responsible for quality control of all work performed at the work readiness job site and classroom.• Attend all Life Plan meetings.• Review and ensure all billing documentation, including monthly summaries, is accurate and submitted according to OPWDD standards.• Provide direct supervision of Community Prevocational Specialists.• Work in cooperation with the Director of Employment Services to make as seamless a transition as possible between Community Prevocational services and Supported Employment services.General • Complete annual staff performance evaluations for direct reports.• Ensure all required staff trainings and certifications required are current, and seek further support and training where needed.• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.• Incorporate concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people's concerns and responding accordingly and use teachable moments to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:
Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:
- Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Employer paid life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
- On Demand Payment - access your earnings as early as the next day
- Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
- And More!
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Services or related field, and
- Minimum 2 years' experience with Special Education required with practical working knowledge of the Special Education System (a combination of education and experience that in the opinion of the Director qualifies an individual for the position)
- Minimum 1 to 2 years supervisory experience required
- Ability to be an effective liaison with school personnel, employers, parents and related professionals.
- Must have a current NYS driver's license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.
Salary Description 26.80-28.80