Job Information
Benton Community School District Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist in Van Horne, Iowa
Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist JobID: 1419
Position Type:
High School Teaching/ Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist
Date Posted:
5/24/2024
Location:
Benton Community Middle - High School
Date Available:
08/15/2024
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Transition Alliance Program (TAP) SpecialistBenton Community is seeking a passionate, relationship driven, motivated, andstudent-first educator to serve students. We are currently seeking candidates for thefollowing position:Transition Alliance Program (TAP) SpecialistInterested applicants should fill out the online application at the Benton Communitywebsite. This position will remain open until filled.Questions may be directed to:Anna Selk, Associate Superintendent - aselk@benton.k12.ia.usSUMMARY:The TAP Specialist will be responsible for helping high school age students and youngadults with an IEP, 504, or otherwise documented disability prepare for living, working,and learning up to the age of 25. Services offered will primarily focus on the following:Pre-Employment Transition Services:
Job Exploration Counseling
Workplace Readiness Training
Counseling on the Opportunities
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Self-Advocacy Instruction
Other activities will include such things as job skill instruction; job development andplacement activities (including short-term job coaching); collaboration with school staffand Vocational Rehabilitation; and the development of individualized transition plans.This position is the result of collaboration between Benton Community School District,Vinton-Shellsburg School District and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Theposition will serve students in both districts, working approximately half time in each.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Establish rapport and relationships with students to help them in gathering information to help develop a personalized transition plan.
Work collaboratively with students, district staff, and parents in developing meaningful transition plans and work experiences.
Ability to work with a variety of agencies and businesses in a friendly and professional manner.
Demonstrate good communication (verbal & written).
Work cohesively with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Maintain accurate records and documentation for reporting to parents,guardians, district administration, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Provide vocational counseling as necessary to ensure understanding of disabilities and assist with developing appropriate vocational choices.
Work cooperatively with community agencies and businesses to establish appropriate work experiences for students with disabilities.
Work with the business community to learn about business needs, labor market trends, and future needs of the community.
Provide flexible, energetic, innovative and imaginative learning activities.
Conduct instructional classes based on individual needs, encourage employers to use job incentives, consult with employers in problem situations andcoordinate placement services with other resources based on individual needs.
Educate employers on disability issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Provide vocational instruction and employment information, training in community and independent living skills including self-determination, daily living health and physical care, leisure activities, mobility/transportation training, money management, personal finance, social and interpersonal skills, work-place readiness and specific occupational information.
Coordinate with school staff regarding graduation/transition requirements.
Serve as a resource for transition services and training information.
Collaborate with related agencies on improving employment of individuals with disabilities.
Coordinate and monitor appropriate services to help participants attain vocational, educational, and independent living goals.
Work cooperatively with other agencies or staff towards employment goals developed on an individualized basis.
Team with other agencies and staff to implement rigorous and doable employment goals.
Work as a member of a multi-disciplinary IEP team to build partnerships that will enhance student outcomes.
Ability to interact professionally with all individuals, especially those with disabilities.
Provide related case file documentation and reporting including comprehensive records to parents or guardians, Director of Special Programs, the building principal and Vocational Rehabilitation on the progress of each student.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:The ideal candidate would have...
A minimum of a bachelors’ degree in a field related to special education, rehabilitation counseling, social work, guidance, school psychology or other relevant profession that emphasizes services to individuals with disabilities or have commensurate experience within the above listed fields.
Able to support and collaborate well with others with a variety of abilities.
Experience in working with organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities is recommended.
Experience in helping youth through the transition process from the school environment to the adult environment is recommended.
Experience with working with the business community to determine job market needs and developing job opportunities for youth.
Hold a valid Iowa drivers license.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
At-Will, Exempt Employee
12-month position (211 days per year, 8 hours per day)
Employment per Board Policies and Administrative Rules and Regulations
This position is a shared position between Benton Community and Vinton-ShellsburgCommunity School Districts. Please see additional information linked here regardingthe details of the position.Benton Community is a thriving district in eastern Iowa that is truly A Place to Belong.Benton is a rural district that serves the communities of Atkins, Blairstown, Elberon,Keystone, Newhall, Norway, Van Horne, and Watkins and the surrounding areas.Benton Community is located near the Cedar Rapids corridor. Looking for a place tocall home? Consider joining us as a Bobcat!
Benton Community is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, should be directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the District Affirmative Action Coordinator, Benton Community School District, P.O. Box 70, Van Horne, Iowa, 52346, or by telephoning 319-228-8701. Inquiries related to sex discrimination, including claims of sexual harassment pursuant to Title IX, should be directed to Phillip Eastman, Title IX Coordinator, 100 School Drive, Norway, Iowa, 52346, (319) 227-7142, peastman@benton.k12.ia.us.Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 2000, Chicago, IL. 60661, (800) 669-4000 or TTY (800) 669-6820, http://www.eeoc.gov/field/chicago/ or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1004, (515) 281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416, http://www.iowa.gov/government/crc/. This inquiry or complaint to the federal office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district’s central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.
The Benton Community School District has an established policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The district has an established policy of taking affirmative action in recruitment, appointment, assignment and advancement of women, minorities and disabled. The district expects the administration to know of and fully accept the equal opportunity and affirmative action policies and to make certain that no employee or applicant for employment shall suffer any form of discrimination because of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.