Pre-Ets Facilitator Jobs

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center's Center on Transition Innovations, School of Education, invites applicants for two positions at the rank of Instructor for the position of Pre-ETS Facilitators. These positions are 12-month term, grant-funded appointments.

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The School of Education (SOE) is committed to excellence in the initial preparation and continuing development of professionals for leadership, teaching, service and scholarly inquiry in culturally diverse settings across the life span. Our mission and values are grounded in and committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement.

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) provides evidence-based resources and information along with emerging practices to assist individuals with disabilities obtain postsecondary and employment opportunities.

Chief Purpose of this position:

The chief purpose of this position is to serve as the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Facilitator in a grant-supported position focusing on strategic training and enhancement of Pre-ETS through a collaborative Pre-ETS delivery model. This position will promote Pre-ETS and awareness provided by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services for students with disabilities in capacity building and system development.

This position will serve as the bridge between Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, classroom teachers, employment service providers (ESOs), and the students to support, expand, and enhance the provision of pre-employment transition services that are provided by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) as well as other partners and programs in the service area. This position will also focus on developing, implementing, and facilitating virtual and in-person training to VR, vendors, and school personnel to enhance the knowledge and skills and improve communication and collaboration between various stakeholders. This position will work in collaboration with RRTC staff and other stakeholders in the development and design of instructional content, course materials, and activities for an online resource hub. In addition, the Pre-ETS Facilitator will serve as a technical assistance point-of-contact for DARS districts. The Pre-ETS Facilitator must demonstrate the ability to build partnerships with VR counselors, school staff, students and families, employment service organizations (ESOs), and other professionals to promote the availability and implementation of Pre-ETS across Virginia. The Pre-ETS Facilitator must effectively collaborate, coordinate, and communicate service delivery through a network of Pre-ETS providers and convene focus groups and professional learning communities to foster system and community coordination of Pre-ETS. The Pre-ETS facilitator must demonstrate the ability to serve as an expert on Pre-ETS and provide technical assistance to secondary personnel and ESOs on the implementation of effective transition pre-employment practices for students with disabilities. The Pre-ETS Facilitator must have the ability to implement best practices as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or Project Director. The Pre-ETS Facilitator will assist in product development that relates to effective practices in the provision of Pre-ETS, transition planning, career development and planning, supported employment, and other career-focused transition practices for youth with disabilities. In addition, the Pre-ETS facilitator must assist in evaluating, summarizing, and reporting project outcomes including the identification and publication of Beacons of Excellence within the model. The Pre-ETS Facilitator must have the ability to deliver presentations at national and state conferences.

Position Responsibilities:

The duties associated with the Pre-ETS Facilitator requires overseeing the transition-related training needs of stakeholders and the development of online training materials and resources aligned with best practices. This position requires the delivery of professional development activities and technical assistance to school divisions, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and vendors to enhance collaboration and communication in the provision of Pre-ETS. This position will also conduct presentations on the demonstration outcomes to advisory councils, stakeholders, funding sponsors, and other state and national professional groups and organizations.

The position also requires identifying areas of evaluation and research on transition of youth with disabilities and conducting evaluation and research activities. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of federal, state, and local transition services and programs; demonstrate experience and knowledge of the collaboration process among local education agencies, adult service agencies, employers, postsecondary programs, students with disabilities, and families; extensive knowledge of the legislation for individuals with disabilities (e.g., IDEA, WIOA, Perkins V, HEOA, ADA); coordinate and facilitate logistical activities and meetings, monitor and report on completion of grant deliverables, and disseminate information on project activities and outcomes to stakeholders; write for peer reviewed professional journals, chapters, and manuscripts on the outcomes of the demonstration project.

The Pre-ETS Facilitator will be responsible for representing VCU, RRTC, and CTI to the public, key stakeholders, colleagues, and other professional organizations, creating and establishing collaborative working relationships with secondary administrators and educators, vocational rehabilitation (VR), families, and other agencies in the disability field to advance Pre-ETS and the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in higher education, employment, and the community.

Other responsibilities (for instance administrative duties, etc.) of the position requires developing applications to obtain approval from VCU IRB to conduct human subjects research, and submitting reports on progress toward meeting goals, objectives, and outcomes of funded projects.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university with major course work in special education, vocational rehabilitation, or social/behavioral sciences required.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in schools or VR with students with disabilities and extensive knowledge of the transition of youth and young adults with disabilities, Pre-ETS, and associated evidence-based practices.
Excellent organizational skills; ability to manage multiple requests and prioritize the work of staff members to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner; ability to maintain accurate and complete electronic and paper filing systems.
Extensive knowledge of the field of intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities, especially federal, state, and local regulations, policies and practices in the disability employment field.
Demonstrated experience working with state agencies including but not limited to the Department of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Demonstrated experience with inclusively educating and mentoring students from under-represented minority and/or historically marginalized communities.
Demonstrated experience in working in a multi-cultural environment and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Demonstrated experience in college and career readiness preparation of individuals with disabilities. General knowledge of qualitative research methods and understanding of confidentiality involved with collection and storage of research data.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in writing and reporting on demonstration outcomes to stakeholders, funding sponsors, and other professional groups or organizations.
Experience with strategic planning and providing technical assistance to educators or vocational rehabilitation counselors.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Instructor
Months: 12
Department: SOE Spec Ed & DP - RRTC

Salary: $72,000 - $80,000

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Tonya Gokita
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: