Position: Educational Transition Specialist 

Position Type: In-Person

Program: Wynne Watts School

Reports to: Program Manager, Sr. Program Administrator 

Classification/Range: Classified/Range 14

Schedule: 215 days per year, 8 hours per day

Location: Wynne Watts School and Multnomah Education Service District

The Bridges Program is seeking a passionate and dedicated Educational Transition Specialist for Wynne Watts School in the Long-term Care and Treatment: Subacute Care program. Wynne Watts School provides educational programming to students with social-emotional needs and/or long-term care and treatment needs. Students at Wynne Watts School are enrolled in multi-grade, self-contained classrooms and grouped by their academic progression and achievement. Students are also placed in specific therapeutic groups based on their mental health needs and challenges which prevent them from being placed in a less restrictive educational setting.

POSITION PURPOSE: 

The Educational Transition Specialist is based in Portland and supports students across Oregon in reconnecting with their neighborhood and/or community schools after discharge. This role involves collaborating with culturally and socially responsive organizations, school districts, administrators, building principals, and counselors to ensure a smooth and successful (re)connection. 

A central component of this position is working alongside a culturally diverse team, including Transition Specialists from the MESD Bridges Programs, to provide culturally specific support for students and families. This collaborative network brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to create equitable and responsive solutions for students.

The Educational Transition Specialist is responsible for obtaining and coordinating community and school-based support services, such as mentoring, educational tutoring, and transportation. This position supports the expansion of educational reconnection services utilizing the Bars to Bridges model.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collect and disseminate information about reentry and outreach programs to schools, law enforcement partners, hospital partners and other community service agencies.
• Identify specific communities and organizations interested in forming partnerships with local school districts, local community organizations, state organizations and law enforcement authorities to reduce recidivism and increase educational enrollment for school age youth in the community.
• Develop relationships and work with state, local and tribal authorities to advance reentry services in the students’ neighborhood school or education program.
• Survey and act on the needs of students to reduce and eliminate barriers to reentry into educational program.
• Determine students’ needs and create a partnership with community service organizations within the school district to evaluate student access in education and increase engagement.
• Assist in the procurement of resources to contribute and complement reentry in to school and regular school attendance.
• Schedule and conduct visits with applicable school district and focus option schools to assist, promote and provide a connection between juvenile detention, and hospitals, and to neighborhood schools.
• Schedule time with students, families, providers and support networks to complete all steps necessary for reentry in to school.
• Give support to students, parents, providers and support networks through information and training related to the reentry process for enrolling in school.
• Provide educational training and attend functions that may require a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends as appropriate.
• Work with designated personnel to coordinate, develop and maintain systems to collect data related to student outcomes relative to reentry in to school.
• Collaborate with school district partners and provide mentorship support to partners as needed to increase effectiveness of outreach.
• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Attend and participate in all required meetings as assigned.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the District and juvenile detention.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus. 

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness. 

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner. 

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous. 

Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and puncuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers and programming outcomes. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Experience and/or training in Culturally Responsive Practices working with at least one of the following sub-populations of youth and young adults: youth identifying as Black/African American, Latinx, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, of Eastern European or Russian origin, of Southeast Asian origin, justice involved, experiencing houselessness, and/or LGBTQ2SIA+.
• Strong ability to have patience and compassion in working with youth disconnected from public education
• Knowledge of and experience working with diverse communities and cultures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations which apply to youth reentering public education.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High quality productive problem solving strategies as a collaborative team member working with multiple districts and agencies.
• Ability to work in partnership with families, mutually exploring options and soliciting input to reconnect students with public education.
• Ability to work with juvenile offenders, vulnerable populations and at-risk youth.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for use on the job.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

• Bilingual in Spanish

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field and/or
• Two years related experience in secondary schools or post-secondary institutions
• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a wide variety of locations, including office and school environments. This position will require site visits and home visits in the community. May work with high stress student or family situations. Involves sitting, walking and attendance at evening and weekend meetings. Requires the use of computers, office equipment and driving personal vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Mobility: Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.
2. Lifting: Frequently up to 10 pounds; occasional up to 25 pounds.
3. Vision: Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
4. Dexterity: Frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
5. Hearing/talking: Frequent hearing and talking, in person and on telephone.
6. Emotional/Psychological: Frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone.

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents. Medical insurance plan options: 
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions  of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be  considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,  including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that  there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender,  sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status,  genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as  required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may  contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance.  Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.