Ess, Secondary Transition Specialist

This position supports the work of the Special Projects Unit in the creation implementation and monitoring of statewide professional learning and technical assistance to improve student outcomes with a particular focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B indicators that relate most closely to secondary transition areas.
Occasional in-state and out of state travel may be required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Provide information through training and technical assistance regarding secondary transition services programs laws regulations Attorney General Opinions Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) guidance and court cases to schools state agencies parents and the general public to help achieve compliance and effective program services for children.
Engage in statewide activities that increase best practices and compliance with federal and state requirements including presenting at local regional state and national conferences in addition to regional director meetings and parent group meetings.
Plan develop conduct and evaluate secondary transition professional learning opportunities and capacity building trainings.
Develop presentations charts brochures or handouts as needed to inform the public parents Public Education Agencies (PEA) and other state agencies of compliance of state and federal special education laws/regulations and practices/processes for implementation of programs to meet compliance.
Organize and write materials and guidelines to be disseminated to PEAs and the public addressing the latest changes and interpretations of federal laws state regulations and Attorney Generals opinions pertaining to transition services.
Represent Arizona Department of Education (ADE) in national transition services work groups. Serve on task forces fiscal review Request for Proposal (RFP) teams committees and special projects for ADE.
Serve as liaison among divisions within ADE including Career and Technical Education and Academic Achievement other state agencies Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Social Security Administration (SSA) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and community-based organizations for the purpose of improving transition services for eligible youth with disabilities.
Participate in intra- and interagency meetings serve on conference planning committees research and publish articles jointly and work with Institution of Higher Education (IHE) on teacher preparation programs and successful transition of students to postsecondary systems. Participate in ongoing discussions among state agencies relative to state-level interagency agreements pertinent to transition services.
Participate in the collection analysis and reporting of data related to State Performance Plan (SPP) /Annual Performance Report (APR) Indicators 1 2 13 and 14. Assist in the development and implementation of SPP/APR improvement activities related to these Indicators.
Attend conferences write articles solicit information from experts in the field read newsletters journals books regulations attorney general opinions and laws related to special education and secondary transition in order to keep abreast of professional information and issues.
Participate in the development coordination and implementation of ADE/ Exceptional Student Services (ESS) annual IDEA Conference including participation in steering committee activities.

Knowledge in:
State and federal laws and implementing regulations in the area of special education and transition areas.
History and development of special education
The role of other states and private agencies in the provision of transition services to children with disabilities
School-to-work initiatives work experience programs and employment models
self-determination approaches social security work incentive programs preservice preparation programs for transition services state and local- level interagency agreements
School administrative structure and current sources of information for special education teachers
Awareness of ADE/ESS resources and other state agencies (VR CIL DDD SSA BHS) available to PEAs for technical assistance and interpretation of regulations
Understanding of SEA PEA and private school organization structure taking into consideration the uniqueness of each district in providing special education transition service
Applicants must have work experience; professional interactions; positive reinforcement of demonstrated skills; attendance at professional workshops and seminars and outside reading and research of issues regarding education specifically regarding secondary transition topics.
A bachelors degree in special education vocational rehabilitation counseling education a related field or equivalent working experience.

Skills in:
Highly developed oral and written communication
Customer service and strong interpersonal skills
Public speaking
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making
Interpersonal relationships
Group dynamics and facilitation
Organization and time management
Evaluation and monitoring
Project and task management
Event planning
Intermediate to advanced skills in using Microsoft Suite products (e.g. Excel Word PowerPoint Outlook and SharePoint

Ability to:
Attention to detail
Multi-task
Leadership
Work in collaboration with a variety of personalities other agency personnel and the general public
Analyze and communicate research and data
Provide consultant services and technical assistance to diverse stakeholders
Perform effective research
Effective public relations capability
Demonstrate initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority

Preference will be given to those applicants with a masters degree in special education vocational rehabilitation counseling or related field.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks required documents and if applicable a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job then the following requirements apply. Drivers License Requirements.
All employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

Affordable medical dental life and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment subject to waiting period. On or shortly after your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

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