Job Title:             Transition Specialist                                                Exemption Status/Test:      Exempt/Professional

Reports to:         Exec. Director of Special Programs                    Pay Grade:  Teacher 187

Dept./School:    Assigned Campus/Special Programs

Primary Purpose:

Provide support and instruction in the area of post-secondary transition for students with Individual

Education Plans (IEP). Provide support and collaborate with the Special Programs department,

Curriculum and Instruction department, counseling department, campus staff, case managers,

parents, students, community businesses, and agencies to ensure best practices and compliance with

state and federal indicators related to transition. Oversee the development and operation of the

district’s special education transition programs, including direct instruction of students both in

special education career prep classes and on job-sites in the community as a job coach.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas Teacher Certificate in Special Education

Completion of/or ability to complete professional development required by TEA to serve as the

district Transition and Employment Designee

Completion of/or ability to complete training that is required to operate a full-size, multi-passenger

(12-15 passengers) vehicle

Texas Driver’s License, CDL preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee process and Individual

Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of high school graduation requirements

General knowledge of federal and state regulations related to transition planning

Employment, child labor, and wage and hour requirements

Vocational rehabilitation, Special Education, Post-Secondary Education, Independent Living

Transition planning, Vocational Adjustment Class, Community Based Vocational Training

Experience:

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the administration may find appropriate and

acceptable

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Maintain knowledge and understanding of best practices, accountability, and state indicators

related to transition.

1. Coordinate with secondary counselors, campus administrators, and district curriculum

leaders to ensure participation of students with IEPs in CTE, Dual Credit, and other post-

secondary preparation programs to the greatest extent possible.

1. Network with local businesses and community leaders to develop positive public relations

and to gain knowledge of the job market in the community and surrounding areas.

1. Establish and clearly communicate local practices, including the development and

implementation of IEPs, that are aligned and in compliance with local, state, and federal

guidelines, including Child Labor Laws.

1. Plan a program of study or 4 year plan that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities

of all students based on the districts’ educational philosophy, goals, objectives, and individual

student plans.

1. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Meetings, as needed

to support or ensure compliance, including by parent or campus administrator request.

1. Maintain a professional relationship with all supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and

community members while representing Lake Dallas ISD.

1. Coordinate transitional activities with state agencies for students as appropriate, including

parent/student conferences with agencies such Texas Workforce Commission and MHMR.

1. Plan and conduct student/parent training sessions on awareness and accessing transition

services.

1. Provide assistance to teachers and other staff members in order to facilitate the provision of

effective transition services.

1. Monitor/audit records to ensure compliance with state indicators related to transition,

including assisting with SPP 13 and 14.

1. Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written, in a variety of environments

(education, business and industry, parent communication).

1. Maintain professionalism at all times while representing Lake Dallas ISD.
2. Classes taught at the high school include Career Prep and Student to Industry Connection

(VAC). Provide pre employability skills training in scheduled classes. Instruct special

education students in job readiness and related skills which prepare students for success on

the job.

1. Evaluate or coordinate the evaluation of student’s vocational skills and behavior to assist in

determining work-readiness, abilities and interests. Conduct assessments as necessary (career

assessment, learning styles, self advocacy, work readiness, college and career readiness) for

all special education eligible students before their annual ARD prior to turning 14 years old.

1. Work with the student’s parents, school staff, and other agencies to develop an Individual

Transition Plan (ITP) which will enable the student to transition from school to post high

school life.

1. Counsel the parents and students on the purposes and expected outcomes to the VAC

program. This includes describing their responsibilities and obtaining parents’ permission

for activities including off site work placement, and others required by these workplaces.

1. Assist in providing on-campus or off-campus opportunities for students to gain work

experiences. These placement experiences should include but not be limited to: job

shadowing for career exploration, mentorship/apprenticeship placements, campus job

training, part-time employment.

1. Monitor students’ performance, counsel students on job-related issues, and obtain

employers’ evaluation of students’ performances and job adjustment needs

1. Assist in monitoring graduation requirements for special education students
2. Perform such other duties and assume such other responsibilities as may, from time to time,

be assigned.

1. Strive to improve skills through self-initiated professional development activities
2. Serve as instructional case manager for a number of special education students at the high

school.

1. Regularly attend ARD meetings as CTE representative.

Instructional Strategies

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Tools/Equipment Used:

 Technology, as it relates to job responsibilities.

Previously stated duties related to transportation.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Employee Signature:                                                                                                      Date                                                              

Supervisor Signature:                                                                                                     Date                                                              

Salary : $59,190 - $78,920