Transition Specialist (School To Adult)

PA Connecting Communities; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

PA Connecting Communities is seeking compassionate Transition Specialists to support students with intellectual disabilities as they move from school to adult life. The Transition Specialist will typically work Monday through Friday, 9 am–3 pm, aiming to develop individualized transition plans and build daily living, social, vocational, and independent living skills for students aged 14–21.

Join our growing team to collaborate with families, educators, employers, and agency representatives to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, psychology, social work, or related field with relevant experience.
• Minimum one year of recent successful teaching experience at the secondary level.
• Background in special education and transition practices at the secondary level.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized transition plans aligned with IEP goals.
• Provide direct instruction and support in daily living, social, vocational and independent living skills.
• Collaborate with families, educators, administrators, employers and agency representatives.
• Facilitate community-based instruction and school-to-work experiences.
• Provide guidance on post-secondary education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Monitor progress, collect data, and adjust plans as needed.
• Communicate with parents and school personnel regarding student goals and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA regulations and best practices in transition planning.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaborative skills

Technology literacy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Associate’s Degree plus 5+ years supervisory/management experience in Transition Services

Job description

PA Connecting Communities is a Post-Gazette Top Workplace Award Winner.

PA Connecting Communities is seeking compassionate and dedicated Transition Specialists to support students with intellectual disabilities as they move from school to adult life. The Transition Specialist will generally provide services Monday through Friday from 9 am - 3 pm. Join our innovative and growing team while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults ages 14–21.

The mission of PA Connecting Communities (PACC) is empowering individuals with special needs and/or needing accommodations with information and opportunities to improve their quality of life. PACC accomplishes this by developing social programs to build friendships, promoting the arts, participating in community programs, encouraging inclusion, and creating competitive employment opportunities. Our vision is to create social change through vocational (on-the-job) training programs, social and cultural activities, recreational and fitness opportunities, and remedial/academic classes for the disability community. PACC follows the principle of “Everyday Lives”.

The Transition Specialist plays an essential role in supporting this mission by working individually with students in school and community settings to develop daily living, social, vocational, and independent living skills as identified in each student’s IEP. This position focuses on creating individualized transition plans and ensuring students are prepared for successful post-secondary adult life.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement individualized transition plans aligned with each student’s IEP goals.
• Provide direct instruction and support in daily living, social, vocational, and independent living skills.
• Collaborate with families, educators, administrators, employers, and agency representatives to support successful transitions.
• Facilitate student participation in community-based instruction and school-to-work experiences.
• Provide guidance and resources related to post-secondary education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Monitor student progress, collect data, and adjust transition plans as needed.
• Communicate regularly with parents, school personnel, and adult service providers regarding student goals and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA regulations and best practices in secondary transition planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field with relevant experience, or an Associate’s Degree in these fields plus at least 5 years of supervisory/management experience in Transition Services.
• Minimum of one (1) year of recent successful teaching experience at the secondary level.
• Background in special education and transition practices at the secondary level.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have a reliable vehicle available for daily use to transport individuals into the community.
• Maintain current vehicle registration, insurance, and inspection.
• Demonstrate outstanding organizational and communication skills.
• Be able to collaborate effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Have thorough knowledge of IDEA, transition planning, community-based programs, and agency linkages.
• Be smart phone and computer literate.
• Be able to pass PA Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI check.

Equal Opportunity Employer.