Transition and Vocational Program Specialist

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Transition and Vocational Program Specialist to support youth with disabilities through personalized transition planning and career development. This full-time position involves curriculum development, teaching, and building employer partnerships to facilitate successful post-secondary transitions for students.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health, dental, life, and disability insurance options

Generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year working with youth and individuals with disabilities.
• Proficient in computer software applications and virtual learning platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and implementation of the Minors on Campus Handbook.
• Oversee housing logistics, staff recruitment, and training.
• Provide individualized support for students transitioning out of the UI REACH program.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Proficiency in Computer Applications

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, rehabilitation, social work, or related field

Job description

Transition and Vocational Program Specialist

The Transition and Vocational Program Specialist supports UI REACH & youth with disabilities through individualized transition planning, career development, and instructional programming. This full-time, 12-month role coordinates initiatives like Project EXPLORE and the Bridge Summer Program and teaches in-person and virtual classes. The specialist also builds employer partnerships, facilitates onboarding, and provides case management. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are essential. A valid driver’s license is required for travel related to camps and outreach. This position plays a key role in fostering student independence, engagement, and successful post-secondary transitions.

This is a 12- month full time specified term position. May be eligible for renewal.

Location: Iowa City, Iowa. Remote work is not available

Specific Job Duties and Tasks:

• Lead the creation and implementation of the Minors on Campus Handbook and Procedures, ensuring compliance with university policies and safety standards.
• Obtain institutional approval and launch the Project EXPLORE Minor on Campus Program, including curriculum development and lesson planning.
• Oversee housing logistics, staff recruitment, and training.
• Design and implement structured daily and evening programming.
• Provide individualized support for students transitioning out of the UI REACH program.
• Supervise Year 4 student internships and assist with career planning.
• Plan and facilitate monthly onboarding sessions for incoming students.
• Teach both in-person and virtual classes using learning management systems (e.g., ICON, Canvas).
• Build and maintain employer partnershipsto create internship, job shadowing, and employment opportunities tailored to students’ and alumni’s career interests.
• Act as liaison from UI REACH to campus and community partners for youth and alumni initiatives.
• Support hiring and training of seasonal staff.
• Assist with logistical planning, including accommodations and meals.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact [e-mail]

Education Requirement:

• A Bachelor's degree in education, rehabilitation, social work, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with youth and individuals with disabilities in educational or transitional settings. Typical experience minimum is 1 year.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be proficient in computer software applications.
• Ability to manage and organize multiple programs simultaneously and adapt to evolving needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet and maintain the UI Risk Management driving requirements.
• Proficiency with virtual learning platforms and student information systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience job developing for persons with disabilities and maintaining effective relationships with employers.
• Teaching or informal instructional experience with students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or learning disabilities.

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:

• Resume

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions, contact Alex Schutman at [e-mail]

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay Level 4A . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  For more information about Why Iowa?Click here.

Additional Information

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Starting Salary Minimum: 53,000.00
• Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Education
• Contact Name: Alex Schutman

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

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