Career Readiness Teacher

The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational organization is seeking a Career Readiness Teacher to oversee Transition services for students in their program. The successful candidate will develop and manage vocational training opportunities, secure job placements, and work closely with students, families, and community organizations. Ideal qualifications include experience in Special Education and strong communication skills. This position demands a collaborative approach to enhance students' post-school outcomes in preparation for their future careers.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in Secondary Special Education and/or Vocational Education preferred.
• Familiarity with characteristics of a wide range of disabilities.
• Knowledge of administrative regulations for special education.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate supervision and evaluation of students in vocational training sites.
• Secure in-school and community job placements for students ages 14-21.
• Develop appropriate, measurable vocational goals and objectives.

Skills

Experience in Secondary Special Education

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Instructional design

Ability to multitask

Education

Vocational Coordinator approval

CTE Coordinator approval

Teacher Coordinator approval

Job description

Position Type: Certified/Licensed/Vocational Coordinator/Career Readiness Teacher (TRS)

Job Goal: The Career Readiness Teacher will develop and oversee Transition services for students enrolled in the SASED Transition Program. This includes supervisory responsibilities for the certified and non-certified staff of the Transition Program and interaction with other SASED program administrators. To facilitate the achievement of the desired post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. The Career Readiness Teacher will also work to create links for students to vocational and developmental training; financial and residential programs. The Career Readiness Teacher will also serve as the coordinating liaison between SASED and DRS/DHS, including oversight of DRS/Contracts, outcomes, referrals and compliance.

This is a TRS position.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in Secondary Special Education and/or Vocational Education preferred
• One of the following approvals: Vocational Coordinator, CTE Coordinator, Teacher Coordinator
• Familiarity of characteristics of a wide range of disabilities
• Experience in instructional design and modifications
• Independent work ethic for self management of schedule
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Excellent organizational and writing skills
• Ability to multitask, schedule and facilitate both short and long term projects
• Ability to maintain a positive and flexible attitude toward daily responsibilities, colleagues and schedule
• Knowledge of the administrative regulations for special education and transition services
• Thorough knowledge of current theory, philosophy and practice in assessment, curriculum, instruction and professional development

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate supervision and evaluation of students in vocational training sites.
• Secure in-school and community job placements for students ages 14-21.
• Refer students to the Division of Rehabilitation Services as appropriate.
• Refer students for transition evaluations as necessary.
• Develop appropriate, measurable vocational goals and objectives.
• Provide written reports of student progress at annual review.
• Complete the Transition Services Component of the IEP and contribute to the Summary of Performance.
• Conduct individualized transition planning meetings with parents and/or students.
• Educate parents by distributing information on transition issues, hosting parent information meetings, and scheduling tours of adult facilities.
• Elicit parent participation in program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Respond promptly to questions and parent concerns.
• Maintain required paperwork including but not limited to DRS forms, transportation notices, student data, and classroom correspondence.
• Participate with the Central Office in the development of the program budget by evaluating the financial needs of the program and making recommendations for adequate funding.
• Interview and gather information on students to determine their eligibility for services, the extent and nature of their disability and their need for and the feasibility of their undertaking rehabilitation services.
• Assume responsibility for an assigned caseload; secure, analyse and evaluate information on the student's medical, psychological and educational background, work experience, special interests, social and economic circumstances, personality traits and attitudes; counsel student, in coordination with the prevocational coordinator, to develop a rehabilitation plan and transition from school to work.
• Participate in vocational counseling for students with their parents, employers and school staff.
• Approve STEP work sites and monitor student progress.
• Coordinate DHS/DRS services with school personnel and community resources.
• Coordinate, oversee, and submit all required billings and reports.
• Spend a minimum of 50% of work time in providing instructional leadership to staff assigned to the program.
• Formally evaluate Job Coaches consistent with SASED and state requirements.
• Provide effective guidance and technical assistance to staff, especially to those in need of improvement of performance.
• Encourage professional development of staff including planning, implementation and evaluation of staff development activities.
• Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings to discuss and resolve staff and program issues and concerns.
• Keep the Central Office informed of program, staff, facility and equipment needs.
• Participate in projects and committees as requested by the Central Office.
• Work collaboratively with other SASED colleagues, member district administrators and representatives of outside agencies.
• Use community resources to enhance instructional programming.
• Submit reports and other required information to the Central Office by the dates assigned.
• Assist in the recruitment of qualified staff and make recommendations to the Central Office for employment.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Terms of Employment: day assignment at a pay rate established by the Board of Control.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated at least annually in accordance with the Board of Control policy on evaluation of certified and supervisory personnel.