Job Specification Details

This position is responsible for administrative, planning, and program development of the Transition Program serving youth and young adults.  This involves the development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of school transition services for youth and young adults with disabilities who are transitioning from high school (or who have dropped out) to adulthood from the ages of 14 through 24.  This includes knowledge and management of Pre-Employment Transition Services, part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which is a highly prescribed set of services closely monitored by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA); VR is required to utilize 15% of federal funding toward these services.
  
Responsible for providing technical assistance to VocRehab staff, Regional Managers and supervisors regarding transition services and remaining informed on all Transition initiatives, both statewide and nationally, through established collaborative relationships with community partners and state agency representatives. The Transition Program Manager leads VR initiatives related to expanding and enhancing services for youth and young adults with disabilities in the state of Vermont.  Represent VR in statewide councils and committees that support youth and young adults with disabilities.  This position provides supervision and mentoring of Transition Coordinator(s) and Transition Program Associate Manager, and their activities.

Overall responsibility for implementation of Pre-ETS services ($2 million annually) for students with disabilities. This includes ensuring VR follows RSA regulations and accounts for the funding. The position provides extensive technical assistance for transition staff and district management on Pre-ETS. The position also is the primary liaison with AOE to coordinate VR services within the schools. Strategic planning and implementation of VR transition services serving approximately 3,000 youth annually across 12 AHS districts.  The analysis of service and outcome data to assess implementation.  Coordination with AOE, supervisory unions, DOL and other major transition partners. The Transition Manager is also the primary advisor to the VR Director around transition services. Management of the implementation of the VR Summer Youth Program serving over 200 students annually. Oversight of contracts with community partners and Vermont high schools to provide Pre-ETS services for students with disabilities. The management and support of 12 district Core Transition Teams in all AHS districts. The local Core Transition Teams bring together AHS programs, high schools, DOL, and post-secondary education and training providers to support the successful transition of students from high school to adult life.  The establishment and management of the VR Youth Advocacy Council, a youth advisory group consisting entirely of students and youth with disabilities.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting and at premises of local VR offices and cooperating partners. Considerable travel around the State may be required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Considerable knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation services and other statewide resources related to transition-aged youth and young adults with disabilities.

Considerable knowledge of a broad variety of disabilities and their functional impact on education and employment.

Familiarity with state/federal laws and regulations governing vocational rehabilitation and special education.

Considerable knowledge of budgeting principles and practices. 

Excellent leadership, planning, implementation, facilitation, and organizational skills. 

Ability to effectively organize, analyze, and synthesize information and data and to apply the results to the development, revision, and implementation of best practice and improving career outcomes.

Ability to conceptualize effective and innovative methods for implementation of broadly stated goals.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within Vocational Rehabilitation staff and a variety of statewide partners.

Ability to lead team in implementation of best practice, policy, and overall high-quality Transition services for youth and young adults with disabilities.

Ability to be innovative, self-directed, and sustain a high level of accomplishment. 

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation.

Master's degree in a human service-related field AND four (4) years or more of professional experience in any of the following or combination of: program planning and technical assistance, program coordination, vocational rehabilitation, special education, mental health, or related field. Skills and experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling and working with youth.

OR 

Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field AND four (4) years or more of professional experience in any of the following or combination of: program planning and technical assistance, program coordination, vocational rehabilitation, special education, mental health, or related field. Skills and experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling and working with youth.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.