Transition Specialist/VR-TSW

Peoria Unified School District; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoria Unified School District is seeking a Transition Specialist/VR at Cactus High School in Glendale, AZ. This role supports students with disabilities moving from school to work, coordinating VR referrals, IPE development, and career exploration activities.

You will work with a transition teacher and other providers to educate staff, students and families about the VR-TSW program and to arrange work-based learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Requires a regular high school diploma or GED.
• Arizona Driver's License and IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• At least 1 year experience working with youth ages 14–22.

Responsibilities

• Promote VR-TSW program and coordinate referrals, eligibility and IPE development.
• Arrange/coordinate VR-TSW meetings including intake, mentor sessions, IPE review and progress reviews.
• Identify and share information on in-demand industries, postsecondary options, internships, scholarships, and funding sources.
• Conduct outreach to engage businesses and organizations for work-based learning experiences.
• Coordinate community outings to support career exploration and planning.
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and transition staff to plan events and opportunities.
• Provide instruction on workplace skills, self-determination, job search, and interview readiness.

Skills

VR coordination

Transition planning

Documentation

Community outreach

English proficiency

Autonomous work

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Position Type: School Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant
• Date Posted: 3/11/2026
• Location: Cactus High School - Glendale, AZ
• Date Available: ASAP

Position Title: Transition Specialist/VR
Department: Special Education
Supervisor: School Administrator / Transition Coordinator and Teacher
Term of Employment: 9 months – 40 hours / week
Salary Classification: Classified Grade 15

Job Summary: The job of Transition Specialist is done for the purpose of providing \"enhanced\" Transition from School to Work (TSW) services, in collaboration with a transition teacher and other providers, to students with disabilities who are clients of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). This includes the coordination and execution of a variety of activities that are designed to educate staff/students/families about the VR-TSW program, facilitate referrals, enrich the process of career exploration, generate work-based learning opportunities, expand on classroom instruction, and reinforce work readiness skills so that students may experience a seamless transition to continuing education, vocational training, and/or the world of work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote program by providing details and information about purpose, process, and payoff (benefit)
• Assist students, family, case manager, and others to initiate and follow through with VR referral, eligibility determination, IPE development, and completing Senior Checklist items.
• Arrange/coordinate routine VR-TSW meetings including intake/orientation, mentor sessions, IPE review/sign, progress review, and senior exit.
• Find and deliver details about in-demand industries and jobs, postsecondary education/training programs, recruiting/hiring events, internship opportunities, financial aid, scholarships, etc.
• Conduct outreach activities to recruit businesses, organizations, and professionals for work-based learning experiences including site tours, career presentations, job shadows, informational interviews, etc.
• Arrange community outings (1:1 or class) to facilitate career exploration, postsecondary planning, trial work or volunteer experience, field research, travel training, etc.
• Plan in class or community-based activities, in collaboration with the Transition teacher to supplement weekly lessons and learning targets.
• Transport students (in district van or AV bus) to activities, meetings, appointments or events.
• Collaborate with school counselors, career center, CTE teachers, transition tech to plan school-wide college & career events, exchange information, share resources, and facilitate student access/use of services.
• Provide instruction/coaching in workplace skills, self-regulation, goal setting, self-determination, job search, interview skills, applying for jobs, financial aid, college/trade school, and concept of life-long-learning.
• Act as a liaison between VR, school, district, student, family, and other agency reps.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation (e.g., time/effort log, mileage, service and progress reports).
• Communicate transition plan, progress & needs with Transition team (family, counselors, case manager, etc.).
• Attend ALL trainings, meetings, and professional learning by Peoria, RSA, and/or ADE as required.
• Other duties as assigned by Transition Coordinator or Transition Strategist.

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• General knowledge of state and federal labor laws
• General knowledge of laws pertaining to special education & rights of employees with disabilities
• General knowledge of methods/techniques for teaching life skills to students with disabilities
• General knowledge of agencies/organizations that provide services to youth/adults with disabilities.
• Skill in operating a computer using common Microsoft applications
• Skill in collecting/managing data (digitally or paper/pen) and protecting confidential records
• Skill in accepting and providing feedback to improve workplace skills in class and community
• Skill in keeping organized, being on time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting due dates/deadlines
• Able to listen, read, and interpret information spoken or written in English
• Able to speak and write clearly and concisely in English with good grammar
• Able to present information verbally in 1:1 and small groups (15-20 people)
• Able to modify/adapt communication strategies to match different ability levels and styles
• Able to establish and maintain professional working relationships with ALL stakeholders
• Able to work autonomously without direct supervision
• Able to adapt and change routines/activities quickly as situations arrive

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must have a regular high school diploma or G.E.D.; current Arizona Driver's License; current Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card; at least 1-year experience working with youth between the ages of 14-22

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to drive a district van or AV bus to transport students in the community
• Will be required to take/pass an online driving class and be approved for insurability
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies/materials weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be required to assist with daily living skills and transfer of students with mobility limitations
• May be required to start earlier or leave later than normal working hours

This position is funded in part by a grant from the Arizona Department of Economic Security/Rehabilitation Services Administration (ADES/RSA). If not renewed, this position may change in duties, location, or continuance. In which case, employees will be assisted to locate and secure other district job opportunities.