Transition Services Specialist (Service or Rehabilitation Specialist)
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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Description

Are you interested in helping students with disabilities reach their full potential? Do you prefer jobs that have a lot of variety, rather than sitting at a desk all day? If you're thinking yes, we may have a great match!

Nebraska VR is looking for a Transition Services Specialist to work with students and youth with disabilities, and help them prepare for future employment and independent living. These positions will work with diverse groups in a variety of environments and make a big difference to our clients! We are looking for candidates with high communication skills, customer service, empathy, and a desire to learn new things.

Compensation:

The Nebraska Department of Education pay structure will be increased by 4% effective July 1, 2022.

The salary range for this position is dependent on education.

• Successful candidates with a bachelor's degree will be hired as a Service Specialist, within a salary range of $16.108 - $18.520 per hour ($16.752 - $19.262 after July 1).
• Successful candidates with a master's degree will be hired as a Rehabilitation Specialist, within a salary range of $19.945 - $23.266 per hour ($20.743 - $24.200 after July 1).

These ranges are based upon available budget funds. The selected candidate's skills, abilities, education, and experience will determine the salary offer within this posted range.

Teammates Enjoy:

We know the opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference state-wide through public service is important to you, but we have even more to offer:

• Hybrid work locations and workplace flexibility
• Stable employment and hours with annual salary increases
• Thirteen paid holidays per year
• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance with four plans to choose from
• Dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year, plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Wide variety of professional development opportunities
• NEW Dependent Tuition Reimbursement Program with six Nebraska community colleges!

EEO: NDE is committed to advancing equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all that we do. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, we encourage applications from ALL qualified candidates and assure they will receive consideration for this position regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Examples of Work

• Initiates and maintains relationships with students, parents, school and other educational entity staff to allow for development of effective job exploration, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, counseling on postsecondary training options, and instruction in self-advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Conducts job exploration activities; explores post-secondary training options; advises and instructs students with disabilities in informed decision making and interpersonal, educational & vocational skills; explores student strengths and self-advocacy skills related to their disability.
• Provides an orientation about Nebraska VR and pre-employment transition services to parents, guardians, students, community groups, referral sources, and schools. Responds to basic questions about Nebraska VR.
• Visits assigned high schools to meet with school staff and students with disabilities to ensure coordination of services.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with employers, human resources, and management to maintain effective opportunities for job exploration, work-based learning, and work opportunities for students with disabilities (Project SEARCH, Summer Transition Programs, etc.).
• Recommends the purchase of goods and services for students in accordance with established fiscal policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Rehabilitation Specialist Additional Functions: Including the functions above, Rehabilitation Specialists will also be responsible for the responsibilities listed below.

• Prepares and approves cases for client eligibility, priority groups, job goal, and plan for employment by analyzing and synthesizing medical and psychological reports, social, education, and employment information.
• Develops, manages, and approves Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), and employment outcome determinations.
• Conducts employment discussion and career exploration to assess client strengths and barriers, vocational interests, aptitude, skills, preference and values.
• Advises and instructs adults and high school age youth with disabilities in informed decision making, interpersonal, educational, and vocational skills.

Working Conditions and Travel:
Approximately 20% of work time is spent in the office. The remainder of work time is spent in the community. May be asked, within reason, to use own personal car for travel.
Qualifications / Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Bachelor's degree in a related field or bachelor's degree in another field and a minimum of two years of work experience related to the essential functions of the position.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master's degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling and Guidance, or other related counseling programs. For statutory reasons no substitutions are allowed for this classification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Service Specialist: Bachelor's degree in related field and at least one year of direct experience working with and advocating for students with significant disabilities. Experience or training providing vocational and case management services (documenting observations, writing case notes, locating resources).

Rehabilitation Specialist: Master's degree in related field and direct experience working with and advocating for students with significant disabilities. Experience or training providing vocational and case management services (documenting observations, writing case notes, locating resources).

*In lieu of resume and cover letter, the supplemental "Questions" section of the application assists us in learning about specific, comparable experiences from each candidate. We can then accordingly determine candidates to move forward with using evidence-based equitable practices. In addition to the required Work Experience and Education sections, answering the supplemental Questions completely with requested details is highly encouraged. Each written response area has ample space to provide a complete response; due to screen size, we do not recommend filling out this application on small mobile devices.

This job has expired.