Purpose Statement
The Transition Specialist is responsible for assisting students in grades 9-12 with job exploration, work-based learning experiences, and paid employment opportunities. They will provide counseling to students on post-secondary educational programs, teach workplace readiness skills, and provide instruction in self-advocacy. The Transition Specialist will collaborate with community partners to facilitate successful career-focused learning and engagement. They will promote close working relationships with parents, students, staff, employers, and other community agencies.
This is a grant-funded position that follows the school calendar.
Supervisory Relationship
Reports to: Building Administrator
Essential Functions

• Job Exploration: Partner with students in grades 9-12 to complete interest and ability inventories, as well as transition assessments. Assist students in grades 9-12 with job exploration through class selection and/or individualized research. Organize and facilitate career fairs and guest speakers to assist students with job exploration. Facilitate setting up job shadow experiences. Stay current with career websites and digital resources.
• Work-Based Learning Experiences: Facilitate students' learning about various types of employment opportunities, including volunteer, community-based work experiences, and paid employment opportunities. Develop unique employment experiences (job carving) based on student needs. Encourage and provide support for gainful employment opportunities.
• Comprehensive Transition or Postsecondary Education Programs: Coach students in grades 9-12 on applying for scholarships. Organize and facilitate presentations by postsecondary education Disability Support Professionals. Arrange college campus visits for students. Communicate college entrance requirements and preparation for entrance testing to students and families. Support students in grades 9-12 in transitioning and preparing for college and/or other post-secondary opportunities.
• Workplace Readiness Training: Teach students in grades 9-12 about different methods of transportation and how to access each. Support students in grades 9-12 in obtaining a driver's license, if appropriate. Teach resume writing and interviewing skills. Collaborate with community partners to establish paid employment opportunities. Assist students in completing job applications, resumes, and cover letters. Teach and assist students with budgeting and personal finance. Teach and assist students with learning and using basic computer skills. Conduct independent living skills training/labs for students in grades 9-12.
• Students Self-Advocacy: Teach students in grades 9-12 about their rights as individuals with disabilities. Support students in understanding their disability, how it impacts them, and how to discuss it. Facilitate student awareness of helpful accommodations. Facilitate student understanding of self-determination and self-disclosure options.
• Other Job-Related Responsibilities: Provide supervision to other adults. Collect progress monitoring data and report on student's IEP goals/objectives. Complete T-3 activities outlined on the student's IEP. Coordinate with the student's case manager regarding transition services.
• Adherence to Policies: Follow school policies and procedures.
• Attendance: This position requires prompt and consistent attendance.
• Other Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and implement transition plans and work-based learning experiences.
• Proficiency in data collection and progress monitoring.

Knowledge

• Current knowledge of transition IEPs, community-based programming, and adult service providers.
• Familiarity with special education processes and regulations.

Abilities

• Work effectively with a diverse group of students and staff.
• Adapt to changing work priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Manage multiple tasks and maintain detailed records

Responsibility
Work independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve the objectives of the program. Use significant independent judgment and discretion in performing job duties.
Work Environment
The job is performed in a standard school environment, primarily indoors, with some exposure to outdoor conditions. The job requires the ability to perform physical activities such as standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching for extended periods.
Experience
Experience working with individuals with disabilities is required.
Education
Bachelor's degree in special education, social work, or a related field.
Continuing Education/Training
Participate in ongoing training and professional development as required.
Clearances
Fingerprint/Background Check clearance.
FLSA Status
Exempt
Salary Grade
PD on Professional Support Staff Wage Schedule