Transition Specialist

Job DescriptionJob Description

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals’ development, well-being, and growth.

In 1951, The Kennedy Center was founded to create a safe space where individuals with disabilities would have the same opportunities as every other person. We believe every life is sacred and every individual brings value to their relationships, their work, and their communities.

Since then, a consistent thread of giving back has been woven into the fabric of The Kennedy CollectiveSM and all we do. Having grown from a program serving 15 children to a multifaceted organization that positively impacts over 2000 individuals with disabilities annually, our commitment to creating pathways for people to thrive by unleashing potential and empowering abilities is as strong today as it was yesterday.

Job purpose:

Provide vocational training and career counseling to prepare individuals for employment by acquainting individuals with satisfactory work habits, rules, and job skills.

Implement independent living skill instruction and training, including, but not limited to budgeting, grooming, home maintenance, food preparation, and the purchasing of items of basic need (food, clothing, and other incidentals).

Competencies: (6)

• Person-Centered Supports: 15%
• Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being: 15%
• Justice, Fairness and Equity: 15%
• Interpersonal Relations: 15%
• Planning & Organizing: 15%
• Ethics/Integrity: 25%

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Market to local employers to develop individualized employment opportunities.
• Develop relationships with area school personnel and transition coordinators to act as a liaison.
• Chair meetings as assigned with individuals, funding sources, schools, and other agencies for the development and implementation of service plans for each individual on caseload.
• Create and implement a wide range of community activities that foster growth and development for students with disabilities transitioning from school to adulthood.
• May serve as a case manager for assigned individuals which may include independent living skills training, vocational evaluation, and training, leisure activities, crisis intervention and advocacy, community-based assessments.
• Maintain accurate records in the electronic case management system according to agency standards.
• Participate in agency job development/marketing meetings.
• Receive supervision from the Intake & Transition Services Manager. Much of the daily operations with individuals must be coordinated without direct supervision.
• Develop and implement community-integrated opportunities for social growth and development.
• Maintain open communication with employers and outside agencies as relevant to individuals.
• Maintain daily written records of evaluation results and prepare monthly reports.
• Present written reports to funding sources, individuals, and families.
• Oversee financial requirements of fee for services program.
• Participate in agency committees and trainings.
• Participate in transition fairs and expos.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Perform and model a variety of occupations.
• Communicate clearly in oral and written form on a constant basis.
• Work independently, utilize good judgment, and possess a strong sense of initiative.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma.
• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the behavioral sciences preferred.
• Two years of experience in school transition or vocational rehabilitation is preferred with particular emphasis on job development.
• May be required to communicate in another language and understand another culture i.e., Spanish, sign language.
• Valid Driver’s License and must hold or be eligible to hold Public Service License (i.e., “V” Endorsement).
• Must maintain a satisfactory driving record
• Required to be in possession of a car on-site during an entire shift to transport self and/or individuals to community sites in all weather conditions and throughout all neighborhoods.
• Depending upon the assignment must be able to work in a variety of settings, weather conditions, and locations.
• Must maintain PMT and CPR Aid certification.
• Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.

Physical Requirements:

• May provide hands-on personal care which may include toileting, feeding, cleaning, and all other activities of daily living skills.

• May require the ability to transfer individuals requiring personal hygiene care.

• May require the physical endurance to use physical crisis intervention techniques which may include restraining individuals.

• Move weights up to 5 lbs. on a constant basis and up to 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Our employee benefits package includes Medical & Dental, Life / AD&D, Disability, Paid time off and Retirement.

The Kennedy CollectiveSM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.

Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm, but can vary week to week (i.e., may be required to work outside the traditional hours including, but not limited to evenings and weekends).
37.5

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