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

TRANSITION SPECIALIST

Reports To: Exceptional Learning and Related Services Department Supervisor

Position Summary

The Transition Specialist supports high school and Transition Academy students with moderate to severe exceptional learning needs by coordinating and implementing comprehensive Transition services. This role focuses on preparing students for successful post-secondary outcomes through individualized Transition planning, vocational assessments, community-based training, workplace readiness instruction, and collaboration with families, schools, and community agencies. The Transition Specialist ensures that Transition goals and services are aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and promotes student independence, employability, and community integration aligned with student post-secondary vision.

Primary 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.

Educational & Job Experience Requirements

MA DESE License in one of the following areas:

• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)


• Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All)


• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (All)


• Teacher of the Visually Impaired (All)


• School Guidance Counselor


• School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor

or

• MA Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)

Minimum of 5 years of experience working in special education

Preferred

MA DESE Transition Specialist Endorsement

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in \"Grow our Own\" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at [e-mail].

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [e-mail]