Introduction
The Department of Developmental Services - North Region - has a current job opportunity for a DS Transition Advisor position in the Individual and Family Services Division based out of the Newington Office.
This is a full-time thirty-five (35) hours per week position. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm; however, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency.
A valid driver's license is required. Travel will be required.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application.
Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last two (2) service ratings and non-state employees may be required to provide two (2) letters of reference.
Selection Plan
This is an unclassified position. Open to the public.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Developmental Services, this class is accountable for independently providing consultation and assistance to students, with developmental disabilities, who are ages 16 to 21 and their families and legal guardians, to understand the student's educational rights and opportunites and to plan, prepare and achieve a successful transition from secondary school to adult life.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Guides students and their families or guardians in the formulation of a transition plan; provides information about the Department to the student, family and education professionals in the school system and state and private agencies; assists student and their families to identify, navigate, obtain and coordinate needed health, community and education services during the high school years; consults and assists in the completion of the Level of Need (LON) assessment for students in conjunction with schools and families to determine eligibility for Department programs and state and federal resources as needed; attends and participates in the school district interdisciplinary Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings for student transition planning purposes; provides consultation to the PPT with regard to student profile information and recommends needed testing (not limited to behavioral, adaptive, physical/occupational therapy, sensory, vocational), accommodations or educational modifications to further plan and develop for a successful transition; evaluates education and services provided by the school in support of the transition plan; gathers, interprets and analyzes data regarding transition-age students to determine trends impacting agency eligibility and program services; develops transition educational materials and provides related in-service training; prepares case notes, prepares reports summarizing consultation services provided and maintains relevant documentation; assists the department Case Manager in the development of individualized budgets; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of developmental disabilities, person centered planning and Individual Education Plans; considerable knowledge of developmental and educational milestones; considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of self determination and the Department's Employment Initiative; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of educational school systems, educational assessments and teaching practices; knowledge of businesses and community resources; knowledge of cultural competencies as they may relate to students; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communications skills; ability to counsel individuals and to design and implement family interventions; ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of professional experience in one of the following:
1. Providing professional consumer services to persons with intellectual disabilities.
OR
2. Delivering special education services in an accredited school system.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
A Master's degree in Education, Educational Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation or a closely related field and one (1) year of the professional experience noted above may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of educational school systems, educational assessments and teaching practices
• Considerable knowledge of developmental disabilities, person centered planning and Individual Education Plans
• Knowledge of businesses and community resources
• Knowledge of cultural competencies as they may relate to students
• Considerable interpersonal skills
• Considerable oral and written communications skills including the ability to present information at Transition Fairs to groups of families and teachers
• Ability to use computers and appropriate database software
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
