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The SOESD is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative and compassionate individual to work with youth in Jackson County, ages 14 - 21, to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The focus of the work will be to meet with students, individually and in groups to deliver Pre-ETS in these five key areas: Self-Advocacy, Workplace Readiness, Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning Experiences and Counseling on Post-Secondary Education and Training Opportunities. If you want to become part of a vibrant team of professionals working with youth to change the trajectory of their lives, this job is for you! 
About SOESD
 Southern Oregon Education Service District is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of Southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing as well as numerous cultrual venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt music festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. 

Youth Employment Services Specialist
POSITION GOAL:                         
Work collaboratively with high school teams, students, parents, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, and other community partners to provide enhanced Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and core Youth Employment Services Program (YES) services for eligible participants within the component districts.  The overall goal is to assist transition age students who experience disabilities in securing appropriate, meaningful employment and/or post-secondary education to ensure success and independence as adult members of society.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
The YES Specialist will provide YES services by carrying out the following essential functions:

1. Work with students to evaluate and improve performance of self-help, communication, social, behavioral, academic, vocational, and independent living skills across school and community settings in relation to transition planning.
2. Participate as a member of the IEP team to identify and address transition needs of students.
3. Collaborate with school staff to provide transition planning, including provision of transition services related to post-secondary training, education, employment, and independent living skills.
4. Develop and deliver Pre-ETS based on participant needs and goals, resources available and guiding principles of the Youth Employment Services Program.
5. Develop and monitor school and community-based work experience sites.
6. Facilitate training and evaluation of students in vocational training and work-based activities and experiences.
7. Identify and refer participants to VR, and assist VR in referring participants to appropriate employment related sources of assistance.
8. Gather and provide documentation as required by WIOA of disability, key informant information and other relevant information for each participant in order to assist VR in determining participants' eligibility for VR services and to identify vocational goals and supports.
9. Develop, implement and maintain student vocational records and data regarding daily living vocational experiences.
10. Consult with, and cooperatively plan vocational and transition activities with students, parents, related service providers, community employment partners and involved social service agencies.
11. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with ESD/local district staff, parents, community, service agency personnel and local employers.
12. Participate in professional growth activities.
13. Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about participants, families and staff.
14. Demonstrate understanding of IDEA, FAPE and the provision of employment-related transition activities for students and youth with disabilities as set forth in WIOA.
15. Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
16. Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.
17. Perform job-related tasks as designated by supervisor.

 
MINIMUM  PREREQUISITES:

1. High School Diploma.
2. Three years' experience, preferred, working in a transition program (or educational setting requiring similar skills) and/or providing vocational services to students in a school or community setting, OR three years' experience working in an agency setting providing transition, vocational or related services to youth.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of effective delivery of transition services, community and employment expectations, and vocational training strategies for students with disabilities.
4. Demonstrated competence regarding use of computers and other technology devices and systems for communication, data recording and reporting, and student instructions and support.
5. Ability to obtain CPR and first aid certification.
6. Possess valid Oregon Driver License.

Any equivalent combination of experience, certification and training/education, deemed by the district, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this job may be used as an alternative to this prerequisite.
LENGTH OF POSITION:  258 day calendar (year-round position; part-time hours in the summer)
PAY RANGE:   Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule: $20.56/hr-$24.61/hr for the 2026-2027 school year.                 
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Program Administrator
SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE and Over):  

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2182.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.  

Health Insurance:  

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax  

Options:  

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the YES Specialist:
  1.      Stand/Walk: 4-6 Hrs./Day       
  2.      Sit/Sit on Floor: 4-6 Hrs./Day   
  3.      Drive:  4-6 Hrs./Day    
  4.      Bending: Occasionally         
  5.      Squat: Occasionally       
  6.      Climb Stairs: Occasionally        
  7.      Single Grasping: Frequently         
  8.      Pushing: Frequently       
  9.      Pulling:  Frequently        
10.      Fine Manipulation: Frequently        
11.      Repetitive Foot Controls: Not At All
12.      Lifting (less than 25 lbs.): Occasionally         
13.      Lifting  (25 - 50 lbs.): Occasionally       
14.      Lifting  (50 - 75 lbs.): Occasionally          
15.      Lifting  (75 - 100 lbs.): Occasionally     
16.      Shift position quickly: Limited             
17.      Strength/endurance: Limited              
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.  
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY   
SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.