Transition Planning Specialist

Milestones-Day-School-

Waltham (MA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 80,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Vacation and sick days

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plan

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Parental leave

Professional development assistance

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Milestones Day School in Waltham, MA is seeking a Transition Planning Specialist to support middle and high school students (grades 7–12) with autism spectrum disorders and other challenges. The role focuses on assessments, individualized postsecondary goals, and collaboration with educators and clinicians to embed transition skills into education and community-based learning.

You will work with the Post Secondary program as appropriate, and help guide families and staff in transition planning,

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; Masters strongly preferred.
Minimum 1–2 years experience working with transition-age youth (grades 9–12+) who have autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and attention/psychiatric challenges.
Transition Leadership Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct formal and informal transition assessments for grades 9–12.
Share assessment findings with IEP teams to support postsecondary goals.
Participate in IEP meetings, re-evaluations, and parent transition meetings.
Provide guidance to staff on transition-related planning and instruction.
Coordinate and implement transition-related instructional materials and portfolios.
Collaborate with PHS program managers and other staff to support transition goals.
Identify opportunities to strengthen transition planning within middle and high school programs.

Skills

Transition planning

IEP meetings

Team collaboration

Student assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Transition Leadership Certificate

Job description

Milestones Day School (Special Ed. School) Milestones Day School (Special Ed School) - Waltham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Transition Planning Specialist

Milestones Day School (Special Ed. School) Milestones Day School (Special Ed School) - Waltham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Milestones Day School and Transitions Program is a year-round private special education school located in Waltham, MA and works with students with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and a variety of attention and/or psychiatric challenges. We service students ranging in age from elementary grades through post high school, and our staff work in multi-disciplinary teams to support students in particular grade cohorts. We are currently recruiting for a Transition Planning Specialist to join our Post High School team.

Position Overview

The Transition Planning Specialist supports the development and implementation of effective transition planning practices for middle and high school students (grades 7–12) at Milestones Day School. The role helps students identify their strengths, interests, preferences, and support needs while preparing for future education and training, employment, community participation, and independent living.

Working collaboratively with educators, clinicians, and other school personnel, the Transition Planning Specialist serves as a resource for transition-related assessments, planning, and instruction. The specialist provides guidance and support to staff in incorporating relevant transition skills and experiences into students' educational programming, including academic instruction, therapeutic services, and community-based learning.

For high school students (grades 9–12), the Transition Planning Specialist conducts formal and informal transition assessments and uses the information gathered to support the development of individualized transition goals and services. This includes helping students explore interests, recognize strengths, identify areas for growth, and consider postsecondary options.

The Transition Planning Specialist collaborates with the Post-Secondary (PHS) program as appropriate, providing consultation and input related to transition planning. The position does not oversee or manage PHS programming, assessments, or service delivery. PHS staff retain responsibility for the implementation and ongoing development of transition programming for students ages 18–22.

Responsibilities Include

1. Transition Planning and Assessment

• Conduct and document formal and informal transition assessments for students in grades 9–12.
• Share assessment findings and recommendations with IEP teams to support the development of individualized postsecondary goals and transition services.
• Participate in IEP meetings, re-evaluations, and parent transition meetings as appropriate.
• Support students in identifying their strengths, interests, preferences, and areas of need related to future employment, education/training, community participation, and independent living.
• Facilitate and/or support person-centered planning activities for high school students in collaboration with case managers and other team members.
• Provide transition-related recommendations and resources to support individualized student planning.

2. Student Instruction and Transition Programming

• Plan and facilitate direct transition instruction for high school students through designated classes, groups, and targeted student activities.
• Develop and deliver instruction addressing areas such as workplace readiness, self-advocacy, self-determination, independent living, community participation, and postsecondary planning.
• Develop and maintain transition-related instructional materials, resources, and student portfolios.
• Collaborate with teachers, OT, SLP, and other staff to incorporate transition-related skills into classroom instruction, therapeutic programming, and community-based learning experiences.
• Support project-based learning and experiential activities that provide students with opportunities to explore interests, develop practical skills, and apply learning in real-world settings.
• Participate in selected community-based instruction activities and transition-related projects as appropriate to the position.

3. Specialized Programming and Coordination

• Oversee the planning and coordination of Senior Seminar, including the development of relevant themes, lessons, and activities.
• Serve as the point person, in collaboration with the Assistant Clinical Director, for coordinating summer transition programming and related logistics.
• Collaborate with OT, SLP, and other designated staff to develop summer instructional themes, lessons, and community-based activities (and alternative activities when needed).
• Plan and coordinate community trips that support summer lesson content and transition-related objectives.
• Coordinate scheduling and logistical arrangements in collaboration with administrative staff.
• Co‑plan and organize Skills 360 in collaboration with designated PHS staff.

4. Staff and Family Consultation

• Serve as a resource to high school case managers, teachers, and clinicians regarding transition assessment, planning, and instruction.
• Meet quarterly with high school case managers to review student needs, discuss transition goals, and identify appropriate resources and instructional opportunities.
• Provide families with transition-related information, resources, and guidance as appropriate.
• Participate in transition-related family engagement events, student-centered planning meetings, workshops, and professional development activities as requested by administration.
• Share relevant transition practices, instructional resources, and strategies with staff to support consistent and meaningful transition planning.

5. Collaboration with the Post-Secondary Program

• Collaborate as needed with PHS Program Managers regarding transition-related resources, community partnerships, and opportunities for student exploration.
• Provide consultation and support on transition-related topics as requested.
• Maintain clear distinctions between the responsibilities of the Transition Planning Specialist and the PHS program team, which retains responsibility for its own programming, assessment, instruction, and service delivery.

6. Program Development and Professional Growth

• Identify and recommend opportunities to strengthen transition planning and instruction within the middle and high school programs.
• Contribute to the development of transition-related initiatives, resources, and student experiences in collaboration with school staff and administration.
• Participate in relevant professional development to maintain and expand knowledge of transition assessment, instruction, and postsecondary planning practices.
• Take on additional transition-related projects and responsibilities as the position develops and as determined in collaboration with administration.

7. Other Responsibilities

• Participate in school meetings and initiatives related to transition planning as appropriate.
• Complete other related duties as assigned by administration.

Requirements:

Bachelors Degree Required, Masters strongly preferred.
Special Education Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with transition-age youth (grades 9–12+) who have autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and attention/psychiatric challenges.
Transition Leadership Certificate preferred

MILESTONES PROVIDES EXCELLENT BENEFITS, INCLUDING:

Competitive salary -6 weeks of paid Vacation, 8 Sick days, and 2 Personal days in addition to scheduled holidays. Earn 1 additional Vacation day after 1 year of service and up to 2 additional days for every year of service thereafter.
Medical Insurance including Fitness Center Reimbursement and Annual Physical Exam Bonus
Dental Insurance & Vision Plan
Onsite Workout Facility
401K Plan, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance
Paid Parental Leave and Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Community Service Opportunities
Half-day Summer Fridays
We supply all materials (no out-of-pocket expenses!)
Employer sponsored conference and workshop attendance for professional development
Supportive and collaborative co-workers