Transition Specialist

The Center for Disability Services; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Employee Assistance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Early Pay Access

PSLF Program

Job summary

The Center for Disability Services is seeking a Transition Specialist for the Langan School in New York. You will design and oversee the Vocational Education and Life Skills program, helping students gain work and daily living skills toward independence. Close collaboration with teachers, families, and community partners is essential.

You will plan student transitions, coordinate work placements, and provide ongoing coaching while tracking progress toward IEP goals and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Associate degree is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Active NY State Teaching Assistant or Teacher Certification is required.
• Minimum 3 years in special education with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Experience in vocational education or life skills training is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of OA special education and life skills management.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate the Vocational Education and Life Skills curriculum aligned with NYS standards and IEPs.
• Collaborate with students, families, and staff to create transition plans.
• Identify, coordinate, and supervise work placements (internships, job shadowing).
• Provide coaching and classroom support on transition strategies.
• Monitor and report student progress toward educational and developmental goals.

Skills

Special education

Vocational education

Life skills

Collaboration

Data reporting

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Where people get better at life!Join us in our mission to make a difference and shape a more inclusive future.Job Title: Transition SpecialistJob Overview:We are seeking a passionate Transition Specialist to join the Langan School, where you will play a key role in preparing students with disabilities for life beyond school. In this position, you will develop and oversee the Vocational Education and L.I.F.E. (Learning Independence through Functional Education) Skills program, helping students acquire essential work and life skills that foster independence and success. This role involves working closely with teachers, therapists, families, and community partners to support students in achieving their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.Key Responsibilities:Program Development: Design, implement, and evaluate the Vocational Education and Life Skills curriculum in alignment with NYS Education standards and student IEPs.Student Transition Planning: Collaborate with students, families, and school staff to create transition plans that support long-term goals, including work placement and life skills development.Work-Based Learning: Identify, coordinate, and supervise internal and external work placements (e.g., internships, job shadowing, youth employment) that provide students with real-world experience.Coaching and Support: Provide ongoing guidance to students during their work/life skill experiences and offer classroom consultation to teachers and therapists regarding transition strategies.Data Monitoring: Track and report on student progress, ensuring that the vocational and life skills program is effectively meeting educational and developmental goals.Qualifications:Education: Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred (additional $1.06/hour).Certification: Active New York State Teaching Assistant or Teacher Certification required.Experience: 3+ years of experience working in special education, particularly with students with moderate to severe disabilities. Experience in vocational education or life skills training is highly desirable.Skills:Knowledge of special education, vocational education, and life skills management.Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with students, families, and interdisciplinary teams.Ability to design and implement functional assessments and curriculum.Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting on student outcomes.Why Join Us?At Langan School, you'll have the chance to shape the future of students with disabilities, guiding them toward independence and success. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact in students' lives.At The Center for Disability Services, we don’t just accept difference –we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and the people we support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.Compensation Range:$24.12 - $27.74Benefits:Medical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance401(k) Retirement Savings PlanEAP (Employee Assistance Program)Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)Tuition ReimbursementEarly Access to Pay with RAINPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)