Transition Specialist

Aspire Living & Learning; Guilford (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

FSA/HSA options

Lifestyle Spending Accounts

403(b) Employer Match

Paid Time Off

Professional Growth

Life & Disability Insurance

Job summary

Aspire Living & Learning is seeking a Transition Specialist to provide individualized and small-group instruction for young adults with disabilities, building skills for employment, independent living, and community participation. The role includes mentoring Job Coaches and DSPs while aligning with an interdisciplinary team to foster independence and progress toward personal goals.

Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with adolescents or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or related disabilities.
• Strong understanding of person-centered planning and community-based instruction.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work independently in both classroom and community settings.
• Satisfactory background checks.
• Experience in transition services, vocational rehabilitation, or adult services (preferred).
• Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and executive functioning interventions (preferred).
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff (preferred).
• Familiarity with AAC systems and assistive technology (preferred).
• CPR/First Aid certification and PMT, CPI, or similar behavioral support training (or willingness to obtain) (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction to help young adults with disabilities build skills for employment, independent living, and community participation.
• Mentor Job Coaches and DSPs by modeling effective instructional strategies and person-centered practices.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to promote independence, self-determination, and progress toward individual goals.

Job description

At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.

Aspire Living & Learning is currently seeking a Transition Specialist who provides individualized and small-group instruction to help young adults with disabilities build skills for employment, independent living, and community participation. The Specialist also mentors Job Coaches and DSPs by modeling effective instructional strategies and person-centered practices while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to promote independence, self-determination, and progress toward individual goals.

Schedule:Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Education, Occupational Therapy, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with adolescents or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related disabilities.
• Strong understanding of person-centered planning and community-based instruction.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work independently in both classroom and community settings.
• Must have satisfactory background checks.

Preferred

• Experience in transition services, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, or adult services.
• Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and executive functioning interventions.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff.
• Familiarity with AAC systems and assistive technology.
• CPR/First Aid certification and PMT, CPI, or similar behavioral support training (or willingness to obtain).

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance -Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options -Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON -Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match -A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off -Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities -Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Servicesand more!

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

Pay:$45,000-55,000

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.