Transition Support Specialist (Leave Replacement)

Thornton Fractional High School District 215; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Thornton Fractional High School District 215 seeks a Transition Support Specialist to develop and evaluate secondary transition programs across disability categories. The role focuses on student-focused planning, family collaboration, and interagency partnerships.

The position requires a current Illinois PEL with LBS I and secondary education endorsements, plus five years in special education or school services. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Illinois PEL with LBS I and secondary education endorsements.
• Five years of teaching special education or related school service experience.
• Vocational teaching experience preferred.
• Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in department meetings on transition services.
• Support IEP transition sections with case managers/teachers.
• Coordinate college and career readiness activities with PPS.
• Complete Summary of Performance paperwork for 12th grade students.
• Maintain records in compliance with DRS/ORS and DHS regulations.
• Serve as Case Manager in transition meetings for incoming 9th graders.

Skills

Career assessment interpretation

Vocational matching

Family collaboration

Interagency collaboration

Education

PEL with LBS I

Secondary education

LBS II/Transition (preferred)

Admin/Principal (preferred)

Job description

• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred

Job/FLSA Status:

Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Position summary:

The Transition Support Specialist will develop, implement, and evaluate secondary transition programs across disability categories, including program components related to student-focused planning and development, family collaboration, and interagency collaboration.

Role Qualifications

• Must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with the following endorsements:
• Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS I) [required]
• An area of secondary education [required]
• LBS II/Transition Specialist [preferred]
• General Administration or Principal [preferred]
• Five years of teaching special education or school service personnel experience
• Vocational teaching experience preferred
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred

Position Responsibilities

• Participate in department meetings in regards to transition services.
• Support special education case managers/teachers in the proper completion of the transition section of the IEP.
• Coordinate and ensure documentation of college and career readiness activities with the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) department.
• Complete Summary of Performance paperwork and attend meetings for District 215 12th grade students.
• Maintain records and provide reports on students in accordance with Department of Rehab Services (DRS)/Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) policy and procedures for DRS-certified students.
• Disseminate transition information to teachers and administrators.
• Adhere to all policies and regulations related to special education, Department of Human Services (DHS)/ORS, School Code of Illinois and other governmental agencies.
• Serve as Case Manager in transition meetings for incoming 9th grade students.
• Complete necessary IEP paperwork for 8th grade transition meetings.
• Make periodic visits as necessary to the training sites/transition programs to consult with the employer or training sponsor.
• Assist parents in becoming better advocates for their child by providing information in regards to any resources that their child is entitled to under DRS, Illinois Department of Public Aid, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guidelines.
• Attend committee meetings and workshops related to vocational rehabilitation and transitioning (i.e., Southland Transition Planning Committee).
• Initiate and maintain collaboration with employers, local education institutions and adult service providers.
• Complete yearly graduation data necessary for post-school follow-up study.
• Serve as a resource to staff, students, and parents regarding transition services.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Ability to match skills and interests of students to skills and demands required by vocational or employment settings, community residential situation, and other community participation options.
• Ability to interpret results of career and vocational assessments for individuals, families, and professionals.
• Ability to use a variety of formal and informal career, transition, and vocational assessment procedures.
• Ability to evaluate students' educational programs with respect to measurable post-school goals and alignment of those goals with instructional activities.
• Ability to identify and facilitate appropriate modifications within work, residential, career and technical training, and other community environments.
• Ability to systematically identify family service needs related to transition outcomes and assist families to connect with support networks.
• Commitment to education and District values.

Reporting to this position:

N/A

Physical demands and work environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Terms Of Employment

• December 2026 - March 2027
• Starting annual salary between $59,158 and $97,829