Coordinator of Center for Adult Transitions
General Description
Under the direction of the Director, the Coordinator will lead The Center for Adult Transitions at Union College which will work to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing transitional services, peer mentoring, educational opportunities, career exploration and linkage to community resources. The Center will support the educational mission of Union College by creating an inclusive community that meets the diverse needs of students through advocacy, equitable access, support, and resources.
The Center for Adult Transitions at Union College will serve a small cohort of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities upon graduation from high school to the age of 24 with mentoring, job coaching, educational services, skill training and wrap-around services. The Center will coordinate with local community agencies, resources, and employers to ensure students receive support toward achieving their goals.
Characteristics, Duties, and Responsibilities
• Student centered approach that values diversity and promotes inclusion and equity.
• Knowledge of disability laws and regulations, including the
ADA
as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Knowledge of appropriate documentation and the interactive process for setting accommodations.
• Knowledge of learning theory and of current research related to learning disabilities and educational adaptations for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, how to evaluate, verify, and interpret documentation from various professionals to determine eligibility and appropriate/reasonable disability related accommodations at the college level.
• Advocates for the needs of students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of conducting an initial application and intake process.
• Knowledge of developing individual student goal plans that encompass personal, academic, and career goals.
• Knowledge of creating schedules that support the goals on the individual student goal plan.
• Will establish and nurture linkages with community organizations that support and educate students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Identifies career goals and guides students in participating in activities that support future employment in collaboration with community agencies.
• Supports and coordinates a peer mentoring program for students to gain fuller access to Union College events, clubs, and other areas of interest.
• Assists students in gaining job skills.
• Assists students in practicing self-advocacy and self-determination to develop skills for daily living.
• Responds to inquiries via in-person meetings, phone, text, and email.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Gathers data and prepares reports as required.
• Works collaboratively with community agencies including The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, testing and assessment personnel and centers, high school personnel, other community agencies, and individuals.
• Performs other responsibilities assigned by supervisor or designee.
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in, Special Education, Teaching, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related area required.
Master’s Degree, Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (
CRC
), Licensed Social Worker (
LSW
) or Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Certification (
LDTC
) preferred.
Experience
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in providing direct services to persons with disabilities or experience in college counseling and academic advising/counseling.
Competencies and Skills Required
• Thorough knowledge of Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with college and community individuals, agencies, and referral services for students with disabilities.
• Skilled in counseling/advising, workshops and program development/facilitation.
• Ability to advise/counsel students individually.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and student body.
• Ability to coordinate activities with other College offices or organizations that impact or relate to performance of responsibilities.
• Ability to work with a broad range of students at different developmental life stages.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse and changing student body and with professional staff.
• Proficiency in report writing.
• Proficiency with MS office products.
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or American Sign Language Preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
• This position’s duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.
• Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some travel required.