Post-Secondary Transition Specialist

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools in Western Massachusetts is seeking a Transition Specialist to support high school students with complex learning needs. You will coordinate transition services, conduct vocational assessments, and align goals with each student’s IEP to promote independence, employability, and community integration.

You will collaborate with families, schools, and community agencies to develop pre-vocational and work-based experiences, provide workplace readiness instruction, and

Qualifications

• MA DESE License in one of the following areas: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)
• MA Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in special education

Responsibilities

• Conduct vocational assessments for students with IEPs and incorporate assessment findings into each student’s Transition Plan and IEP.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to identify student needs and develop appropriate pre-vocational, vocational, and work-based learning experiences.
• Coordinate and maintain partnerships with schools, community agencies, employers, and service providers to support community-based instruction and vocational training opportunities aligned with students’ Transition goals and objectives.
• Provide direct instruction and support to individual students and small groups in areas such as workplace readiness, travel training, job exploration, self-advocacy, and community access skills.
• Deliver on-site job coaching and implement problem-solving strategies to assist students in developing independence and successfully performing workplace tasks.
• Utilize Transition Planning tools to support student progress and skill development.
• Assist post-secondary teachers and paraeducators with maintaining accurate student records, documentation, and required forms related to Transition Services.
• Communicate student progress with families through progress reports, meetings, and participation in IEP meetings as appropriate.
• Identify and develop appropriate vocational placements, community work experiences, and Transition programs for secondary and post-secondary students receiving special education services.
• Maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with employers, adult service agencies, and state organizations, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts MASSABILITIES Commission, and related agencies.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to secondary and post-secondary staff regarding Transition compliance, curriculum development, implementation of Transition-based programming, and best practices in Transition planning.
• Collaborate with the Director of Transportation and/or designee to coordinate transportation schedules and ensure student access to community-based vocational and Transition activities.
• Participate in local and statewide Transition committees, professional development opportunities, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) initiatives to support dissemination of current Transition practices and resources to district staff.

Skills

Collaboration with families and school

Transition planning

Work-based learning experiences

Vocational assessments

Education

MA DESE License in one of the following areas: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)

MA Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)

Job description

Springfield Public Schools in Western Massachusetts is seeking a Transition Specialist to support high school students with complex learning needs. You will coordinate transition services, conduct vocational assessments, and align goals with each student’s IEP to promote independence, employability, and community integration.

You will collaborate with families, schools, and community agencies to develop pre-vocational and work-based experiences, provide workplace readiness instruction, and