Transition Specialist

Springfield Public Schools MA; Springfield (MA); Presencial; USD 55.000 - 75.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Springfield Public Schools’ Office of Exceptional Learning invites a Transition Specialist to coordinate comprehensive post‑secondary planning for high school and Transition Academy students with disabilities. The role focuses on individualized Transition planning, vocational assessments, community‑based training, workplace readiness, and strong collaboration with families, schools, and community agencies.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, coordinating IEP‑aligned Transition

Formación

• MA DESE License in one of the listed areas.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education.
• Experience coordinating transition services with families, schools, and community agencies.
• Ability to provide direct instruction and workplace readiness training.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct vocational assessments and inform Transition Plans.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to design pre-vocational, vocational and work-based learning.
• Coordinate partnerships with schools, community agencies, employers for community-based instruction.
• Provide direct instruction in workplace readiness, travel training, and self-advocacy.
• Deliver on-site job coaching and support student independence in tasks.
• Maintain Transition Planning records and required forms.
• Communicate student progress with families via reports and IEP meetings.
• Identify vocational placements and community work experiences for students.
• Collaborate with DDS and MASSABILITIES and related agencies.
• Assist with transportation coordination for community activities.
• Participate in DESE initiatives and professional development.

Conocimientos

IEP alignment

Collaboration

Family communication

Work-based learning design

Educación

MA DESE License (listed areas)

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Herramientas

Transition planning tools

Descripción del empleo

Springfield Public Schools OFFICE OF EXCEPTIONAL LEARNING - Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

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 MASSABILTIES 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:

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"

About our District