SUMMARY

Works with 150+ students entering the VAST Department from their first term to successful completion and transfer to credit certificates, and/or employment and independent living. Collaborates with area school districts in the area of Transition for Special Education students to assist with recruitment, enrollment, helping students to make a smooth transition from High School to Post-Secondary level, credit/ noncredit programs, to employment and independent living options.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assist with marketing and recruitment of potential students by attending and presenting at High School Transition Fairs, presenting at meetings and coordinating an onsite College Days;
2. Monitor interns progress during internships;
3. Work in collaboration with guidance to provide effective transition planning for all VAST students;
4. Represent HCC at high school career nights and events sponsored by our community partners;
5. Work closely with our parent support group, attending meetings and working with them on events that relate to transition and career planning. Engage in outreach activities, advocate on behalf of our VAST students;
6. Serve as a resource to families, parents, and students in accessing transition services as well as, providing information on transition topics affecting students with disabilities at the Post-Secondary level;
7. Assist in Transition Fairs and/or seminar to assist VAST students in making realistic career choices and with their transition from school to credit/semester hour courses and/or the workforce; and
8. Assist with annual College Day for area special ed. High schools to bring their students to visit the college and VAST Programs and Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION

Bachelor Degree in education, special education, psychology, social work or related field required.

EXPERIENCE

1 year relevant work experience required; preferably in Special Needs Area working with high school students with disabilities 17-22 age range, or community advocacy.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of Disability Employment issues, benefits – Houston Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities, Mayor’s Office for Persons With Disabilities, Workforce Solutions, Social Security Administration, Dept. of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) among others, to include becoming familiar with U.S. Dept. of Labor (office of disability employment) guidelines, trends, facts.
2. Knowledge of The American Disability Act and the Transition Services Process in area high school special education area.
3. Possess ability to establish and maintain professional relationship with members of the disability community, business and community agencies that advocate for persons with disabilities in order to identify and collaborate on needed services for our students.
4. Must be a self-starter and be able to work independently and flexible.
5. Possess skills and abilities to design and implement career and transition programs.
6. Facilitation and training skills for faculty, staff, students and parents.
7. Excellent organizational and communication skills required.
8. Able to interact effectively with diverse population.
9. Proficient with MS Office programs, using Adaptive and Assistive Technologies.
10. Knowledge of current workforce and transition issues and trends, to include those related to successful transition of students with disabilities from high school to college, to employment and independence.

COMPETENCIES

• Delivering High Quality Work
• Accepting Responsibility
• Serving Customers
• Supporting Organizational Goals
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Acting with Integrity
• Thinking Critically
• Managing Change
• Communicating Effectively

WORKING CONDITIONS
General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner. Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE: This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215