Transition Facilitator

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY:

The Transition Facilitator, under the direction and supervision of the building administrator or other certificated staff members, performs tasks related to academic and transition services for students exiting County or State-operated institutions to schools served by local educational agencies.  This position focuses on facilitating educational re-entry at the local K-12 level, and also provides support for successful reentry of youth offenders into postsecondary education or vocational and technical training programs or securing employment, as appropriate to their identified skill and education level.

Utilizing strategies designed to expose and prepare the youth for successful education, or vocational/technical training programs, the Transition Facilitator reviews academic credit history, assists students with identifying career interests and exploration of employment options, and facilitates transition of the student to local programs which offer credit recovery, general education diploma options, employment training and placement, and other related transition support services.  Responsibilities include delivery, under the direction of the certified staff, of group and individualized educational activities to assist students in acquiring education credit, securing transition/vocational opportunities, and liaison services with local education agencies and the detention/youth-services staff at the assigned facility.  The Transition Facilitator may assist students in resume writing, initiating employment/business contacts, securing required documents for employment or school entry, and career portfolio maintenance.  Activities are developed in conjunction with private and governmental agencies and the business community.  The applicant must possess the ability to be flexible and work as an integral part of a specialized education team, as well as with parents, employers, and community service providers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitates students’ reenrollment and return to local education agency.
• Assists students in resume writing, making business contacts, and portfolio maintenance.
• Assists with the organization, implementation, and supervision of students in academic and vocational/transition activities.
• Assists in coordination of transition supports with employers, parent, students, transportation, and community, youth-support agencies.
• Monitors student behavior and assist in maintaining an orderly classroom atmosphere for the purpose of providing an optimum learning environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records and refers questions regarding district, agency, and NWESD operations to supervisor for response.
• Interacts positively, professionally, and consistently with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Maintains detailed records of transition activities throughout contact duration with students in transition & submits monthly summary reports as directed by supervisor.
• Coordinates efforts with Educational Advocates responsible for on-going transition support.
• Performs variety of clerical tasks, including maintaining student applications, permission forms, and hourly records of experience, and assist with coordinating and compiling portfolio information.
• Provides support for work-study students, including consultation with employers, job analysis and training assistance, and job coaching support.
• Assists in coordinating transportation or providing mobility training for work-experience students to and from job sites.
• Accompanies students to appointments, job sites, or other off-campus activities to assess social and employability needs.
• Accompanies students to job sites; observes performance; oversees work training; and provides instruction and assistance accordingly.
• Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality and minimal absences; and adheres to employee responsibilities outlined in the policy and procedures of employer and partner agencies where employee may perform responsibilities.
• Other duties as set forth by the program administrator deemed to be advantageous to the educational program and support of transition students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of an Associate’s degree, or at least sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited institution of higher education (official transcript required to validate education), supplemented by two (2) years progressively knowledgeable and responsible experience working with high-risk and/or special education youth.  Candidate must have experience with emphasis on teaching appropriate behaviors and work/life skills for student’s future employability; organization and technology skills sufficient to perform related clerical and project management responsibilities; and ability to effectively communicate program goals and objectives orally and in writing.  Certifications and training in CPR, first aid, behavioral management, and aggression control techniques as applicable to assigned duties and area of responsibility required.  Washington state driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.  Oral and written proficiency with Spanish language preferred.

WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of task analysis and job coaching concepts.
• Knowledge of disability and functional limitations for at-risk youth.
• Knowledge of employer vision, mission, and employment requirements.
• Knowledge of city, state, and federal laws related to Title 1, Part D services for neglected and delinquent youth.
• Knowledge of State and Federal regulations and applicable codes related to Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Knowledge of computer software programs necessary to maintain student data for Federal reporting and communicate with parents and other professionals in written form.
• Knowledge of behavior modification and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact and courtesy to maintain professional relationships with public and private partners.
• Ability to maintain and submit data records in a timely and organized manner.
• Ability to operate standard word processing and data management programs, computers, and general office equipment with proficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and analyze career exploration and employment abilities, interests, strengths, and employment challenges of participating students.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to be creative, make professionally sound decisions and function as an effective member of a team.
• Ability to apply sound problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to be diplomatic with employers, staff, students, parents and consumers.
• Ability and willingness to travel to fulfill the essential functions of the position.

 Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid First Aid/CPR card, Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; stand; sit; talk; hear; and use the hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  Occasionally the employee must crouch or kneel and exert or lift up to 35 pounds.  Successful performance requires specific vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

Hazards: Typically, the noise level in the work environment is moderate.  There are no unusual environmental conditions.  Work is typically performed in an office/classroom environment, and employee is required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to be flexible with tasks and priorities; may need to deal with distraught or difficult individuals; potential exposure to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.