Seeking qualified individuals to provide Pre-ETS services in the Southern, Northern and Eastern rural areas of Oklahoma. Travel is an essential function of the position. The Pre-ETS Program Specialist will provide direct instruction and teaching to High School age students with disabilities as documented by an IEP, 504 plan, or other disabling condition, which makes them potentially eligible for services from Vocational Rehabilitation at a later date.
Develop and/or utilize transition age curriculum and hands-on work experience to support youth with disabilities to increase successful transition from school to work or post-secondary education outcomes.
The Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) includes activities/topics guided by the WIOA indicators: Workplace Readiness Training, Post-Secondary Counseling, Work Based Learning, Career Exploration and Self Advocacy.
Individuals in this position are expected to provide quality services as assigned to eligible participants and assist with outreach to school district personnel, students, family members, state and community stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Create and modify age & grade level appropriate Pre-Employment Transition curriculum and classroom activities based on the five WIOA indicators.
Prepare lesson plans, materials and supplies to meet a diverse learning population.
Provide feedback on pre-developed curriculum to help with redesign and improvement.
Develop individualized hands on work-based experiences for appropriate students.
Teaching responsibilities include classroom management.
Teach topics in a way which engages the classroom effectively.
Market and recruit school partners to participate in Pre-ETS Project. Requires contact with school partners to schedule services and travel to and from these schools.
Identify and understand the needs of school districts regarding Special Education Transition and how best to prepare students for integrated employment or post-secondary education.
Assist school partners to identify, recruit and enroll eligible youth for Pre-ETS Project and activities.
Work collaboratively and cooperatively with relevant agency partners, including DRS, DRS Counselors, and School Staff to ensure students and project meet all established performance and collaborative expectations and targets.
Present program information to individuals, agencies, and groups.
Maintain confidential student data and regular progress updates and provide reports to leadership as required.
Maintain performance documentation as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required education: Bachelor's Degree OR equivalent combination of education/job related experience, AND
0-24 months of related direct instruction and teaching of youth with disabilities
Skills:
Competency to interview, investigate, compile information, document decisions, interpret guidelines and/or provide technical assistance to relevant agencies.
Skilled to maintain accurate and timely records.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in positive and negative situations, in both oral and written form.
Capable to work independently with general supervision.
Skilled in relating to program consumers, participating agencies and community partners.
Understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality standards.
Able to maintain a positive, respectful interaction with a diverse staff and in difficult situations.
Must be able to understand and implement directives from supervisors and work well with co-workers.
Talent in building positive relationships and provide excellent customer service to students, teachers, sometimes with parents, and often with community members.
Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information and able to complete work within deadlines.
Ability to prioritize and work independently.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office, including Excel, for correspondence, development and to establish and maintain data.
Certifications:
Must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle to use for training and events.
Advertised Physical Requirements:
Work is performed in the community and facility settings with or without accommodations.
Employee must work effectively with youth and community partners. Ability to separate pressures of work and home.
Ability to lift objects (under 50 pounds) including using the upper body to raise objects from a lower position to a higher position.
Ability to engage in repetitive motions, including movements of the hands, wrists or fingers, and communicate.
Frequent exposure (50 to 60%) to physical and/or mental stress or discomfort caused by deadlines and busy periods.
Moderate physical activity such as walking, standing, sitting and lifting is involved in many daily activities.
Must be willing/able to attend out of town events to fulfill the projects Scope of Work.
Departmental Preferences:
Bachelor's or Master's in Education or related field.
Resourceful in teaching topics in a way which engages the audience effectively; adapting curriculum and/or materials to audience needs.
Ability to prepare lesson plans and materials which are adapted to the needs of the audience.
Ability to present information to individuals, agencies, and groups.
Experience developing work-based career exploration opportunities.
Related work and educational background working with individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, independent living and/or maximum self-reliance.
Supervision: No Supervisory Duties
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
