State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Developmental Services, this class is accountable for independently providing consultation and assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their families and legal guardians, to understand the individual’s educational rights and opportunities and to plan, prepare and achieve a successful transition from secondary school to adult life and/or to plan, prepare for and achieve a successful transition into meaningful employment.

Guides individuals and their families or guardians in the formulation of a transition plan; provides information about the Department to the individuals, families education  and other team members in the school system and state and private agencies; assists individuals and their families to identify, navigate, obtain and coordinate needed health, community education, or employment services; consults and assists in the completion of the Level of Need (LON) assessment for individuals 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) or DDS Individual Planning (IP) meetings for individual transition planning purposes; provides consultation to the PPT/IP with regard to individual profile information and recommends needed testing (not limited to behavioral, adaptive, physical/occupational therapy, sensory, vocational), accommodations or modifications to further plan and develop for a successful transition; evaluates education and services provided by the school or department in support of the transition plan; gathers, interprets and analyzes data 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.

Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of intellectual disabilities, individual centered planning and Individual Education Plans, and Individual Plans; considerable knowledge of developmental, educational and employment 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; 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.

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 services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

OR

2. Delivering special education services in an accredited school system.