Transition Specialist

10 Center for Disability Svcs Inc; 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) Retirement Savings Plan

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Generous PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Early Access to Pay with RAIN

PSLF

Job summary

The Center for Disability Services seeks a Transition Specialist for the Langan School in Albany to prepare students with disabilities for life beyond school, developing vocational and life skills through the Vocational Education and LIFE Skills programs.

You will collaborate with teachers, therapists, families and community partners to design transition plans, arrange work placements, monitor progress, and support students in achieving their IEP goals.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in special education.
• Experience in vocational education or life skills training is desirable.
• Knowledge of NYS Education standards and IEP goals.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate the Vocational Education and Life Skills curriculum aligned with NYS standards and IEPs.
• Collaborate to create transition plans that include work placement and life skills development.
• Identify, coordinate, and supervise work placements for real-world experience.
• Provide ongoing guidance to students and consult with teachers and therapists on transition strategies.
• Track and report student progress to ensure program goals are met.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Instructional planning

Adaptive education

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

New York State Teaching Assistant or Teacher Certification

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 Specialist

Job 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 overlook 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 - $27.74

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Early Access to Pay with RAIN
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

For over 80 years, the Center for Disability Services has served as a trusted community leader, providing innovative programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities here in the Capital Region and North Country. We are committed to empowering individuals to lead full, independent lives, and have served over 12,000 people to date. At the Center, we firmly believe that no job is too small when it comes to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As a team, every employee plays an integral part in our mission to empower individuals and promote independence. Whether you're directly involved in patient care, coordinating programs, managing operations, or providing essential support, your contribution is vital to creating a brighter and more accessible world for those we serve.