Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist (Program Specialist 3)

The Pre-Employment Transition Services Specialist works to coordinate and provide comprehensive pre-employment transition career exploration services to Blind, Deaf Blind, and Low Vision students 14-21 years old.

• Case Services, Coordination and Documentation
• Communicate to participants and families the Agency’s scope and mission, Pre-Employment Transition Services, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) process, and the scope and impact of broader laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and RSA guidelines
• Recommends Pre-Employment Transition services for students that are progressive in nature, toward an informed employment goal
• Processes student referrals and applications for service through collaboration with the Vocational Rehabilitation team and the agency intake team
• Coordinate progressive case services to students with disabilities for Pre-ETS participation
• Maintains contact with students and families on combined case load bi-monthly to foster the ongoing partnership through the transition from PRE-ETS to employment
• Initiate authorizations and payments in accordance to agency policy, within necessary timeframes
• Document Pre-ETS participation, contracts, and reports in electronic case management system within 5 days of completion of program
• Keep Pre-ETS supervisor advised of any issues or concerns
• Pre-ETS Program Development and Coordination
• With direction from agency leadership and Pre-ETS management, develop regional and statewide contractors that assist in providing DSB Pre-ETS programming that is engaging, relevant and supports the needs of the students on the combined case load
• Guide programming for Pre-ETS workshops and activities based on regional student’s needs that are progressive in nature, toward an informed employment goal
• Provide guidance to students on an individual basis on: workplace readiness, including building soft skills, career skills and through strengthening mental, social and emotional acuity
• post-secondary exploration opportunities for students in assigned territory or for statewide participation
• job exploration activities
• work-based learning opportunities with employers in assigned territory, and throughout state, coordinating with DSB Business Relations Team, the Pre-ETS Manager, and the Workforce system
• Introduction to self-advocacy
• Coordinate pre and post survey services for students that facilitate program evaluation for continuous program enhancements and development
• Outreach and Collaboration
• Conduct extensive community outreach
• Coordinate outreach and service delivery with school districts
• Attend school IEP meetings to assist students transition from school-based learning to the workforce
• Develop external resources and contractors
• Consult with family and students so they better understand their rights and the role of public education in service provision
• Collaborate with blind consumer groups in Washington state to provide peer mentorship/advocacy and training to you
• Provide information and referral to student participant and families community resource
• Counsel and guide student participant and families throughout the rehabilitation process

• Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, Business, or a related field
• Two (2) years of experience with planning, coordinating, and consulting on youth transition programs, in collaboration with schools, community-based organizations, and employers

• Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Plan
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave

The goal of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is to assist individuals who are Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision in developing skills while supporting workforce initiatives that lead to the employment of these qualified individuals.