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Visiting Training Specialist

Employer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location
Illinois, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Date posted
Nov 6, 2020

Visiting Training Specialist
Department of Special Education
College of Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Center for Transition and Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a newly funded state-wide training and technical assistance center that focuses on transition from school to work for students with significant disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, autism).  Over the next five years, the Center will (a) conduct an annual statewide needs assessment, (b) offer a variety of training activities (e.g., annual conference, regional workshops, webcasts, research briefs, case studies, digital resource library), (c) provide targeted technical assistance to schools, (d) enhance interagency coordination at the state, regional, and local levels, and (e) maintain an active database of transition personnel in the state of Illinois.  The Center is funded through a contract with the Illinois State Board of Education.

 The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY: The Training Specialist will develop and deliver instruction throughout the state of Illinois focused on transition from school to work for students with disabilities.  In addition, the Training Specialist will provide technical assistance to schools and engage in research that informs the work of the Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching

  • Develop online professional development materials and resources aligned with best practices in transition from school to work.
  • Design and deliver face-to-face and online instruction to school personnel, rehabilitation professionals, and parents through videos, webinars, regional workshops, conferences, and other methods.
  • Provide technical assistance to schools and school districts aimed at improving the quality of transition services and supports.
  • Participate in the design and implementation of other instructional activities as appropriate that contribute to the development and growth of the center, and respond to needs identified by the funder and stakeholders.

Research

  • Develop research briefs that summarize new and emerging issues in transition from school to employment.
  • Develop case studies based on high performing school districts to highlight effective practices and strategies that have been implemented at the school or district level.
  • Assist with the development of an annual statewide needs assessment, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
  • Facilitate the research related work of 1-2 Regional Transition Boards composed of interagency leaders to obtain data that informs center activities. These boards will advise the center regarding regional needs, help interpret needs assessment data, provide input on the development of training and technical assistance activities, and disseminate information to regional stakeholders.
  • Write professional publications.
  • Participate in other research activities as appropriate that contribute to the development and growth of the center, and respond to needs identified by the funder and stakeholders.

Administration

  • Coordinate and facilitate logistical activities and meetings.
  • Assist with submitting reports on progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
  • Disseminate information on project activities and outcomes to stakeholders.

Required Education, Experience and Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in special education, rehabilitation, or a related field from an accredited university
  • At least 3-years of experience (a) teaching vocational curriculum to youth with significant disabilities (i.e., intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, autism) and/or (b) preparing youth with significant disabilities for employment
  • Experience developing and delivering professional development activities
  • Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Education, Experience and Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. or Ed.D. in special education, rehabilitation, or a related field from an accredited university
  • Leadership experience specific to transition from school to work for students with disabilities (e.g., transition specialist, vocational coordinator)
  • Direct experience designing and delivering work-based learning experiences, and/or preparing transition-age youth for competitive integrated employment
  • Familiarity with school districts and employment services in Illinois

The Training Specialist position is a full-time, benefits-eligible visiting academic professional position. The start date for the position is negotiable. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Procedures:
To ensure full consideration application materials must be received by December 31, 2020. The position is open until filled. Please complete your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a letter of application, resume, writing sample, and the names, address, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references. For more information about the position, please contact David Strauser at strauser@illinois.edu. 

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

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