What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Transition Program Manager position at Milestones Day School (Special Ed School)?
Overview:
Milestones Day School and Transition Program is a year-round private special education school located in Waltham, MA and works with students with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and a variety of attention and/or psychiatric challenges. We service approximately 90 students ranging in age from elementary grades through post high school, and our staff work in multi-disciplinary teams to support students in particular grade cohorts. A maximum of 25% of our student population are typically enrolled in our Post High School (PHS) program. Our PHS students participate in dual enrollment college coursework, plus offsite & onsite internships. We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Transition Program Manager
to join our team.
We offer a unique and intensive year-round academic and therapeutic programming in a state of the art building. Our students are highly supported by a full clinical staff working in multidisciplinary teams that consists of Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Principals, Mentor and Special Education Teachers, Reading and Math Specialists, and Directors. We have a low student to staff ratio.
The Assistant Transition Program Manager will support the Transition Program Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Post-High School Transition Program, ensuring the program runs smoothly and effectively while adhering to the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) model. This role involves coordinating various program activities, including work-placement exploration, community outreach, and staff supervision. The Assistant Transition Program Manager will work collaboratively with the Transition Program Manager, staff, and families to ensure that all students receive the support they need as they transition to adulthood. This role is open to leaders with strong transition programming, special education, and/or clinical backgrounds. This is a full-time position, onsite 5 days/week, Monday - Friday. Please submit your updated resume and cover letter for consideration.
RESPONSIBILITES:
Program Operations:
- Assist in managing daily program operations, ensuring the smooth implementation of the transition program following the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework, which focuses on promoting positive behaviors and a structured, supportive environment for students.
- Coordinate student schedules and provide personalized transition supports for students ages 18-22.
- Work closely with the clinical team to ensure that transition goals are being met, with a focus on employment, postsecondary education, community-based training, and independent living.
- Collaborate with clinical and teaching staff to create and coordinate Community-Based Instruction (CBI) lessons and outings.
- Support evaluations and progress reports, conduct pre-IEP meetings, and ensure that IEP accommodations and goals are being implemented effectively.
- Assist students and their families in accessing necessary services as they transition out of special education when they age out at 22.
- Take a lead role in placement decisions, collaborate with the Program Manager and the Admissions Department in the placement process, ensuring students are successfully placed in our program based on their individual needs and goals.
- Provide incoming families with comprehensive welcome packets that include student schedules, available internships, and a clear overview of what to expect in the program.
- Oversee and support work-placement exploration activities, including internships, job-shadowing, and volunteer opportunities, ensuring they align with students' transition goals and provide opportunities to develop essential work skills.
- Partner with the Program Manager to create new community engagement opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships for on-site and off-site work experiences.
- Collaborate with the Transition Coordinator to support students in registering for and attending college courses, particularly at MassBay Community College. Ensure students have the resources and support they need for academic success.
- Provide ongoing check-ins and coaching to help students develop executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and decision-making to excel in a college environment.
- Coach and mentor the transition counselors and coordinator, ensuring they provide high-quality support to students and employ effective instructional practices. May supervise clinicians or specific staff members as assigned.
- Assist the Program Manager in organizing and leading professional development opportunities for staff.
- Maintain a caseload of students, ensuring they receive the necessary services and support to achieve their transition goals. Attend IEP meetings for students within your caseload to support their progress and goals.
- Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on student progress and relevant program information.
- Assist in overseeing the transition curriculum’s implementation, making necessary adaptations to meet the individual needs of students while ensuring alignment with IEP goals.
- Contribute to the creation of parent newsletters, presentations, and other communication materials.
- Support the planning and execution of key program initiatives, including an annual overnight event at a local university where students practice independent living and community-based skills.
- Support the promotion and visibility of the program by engaging in community outreach and marketing efforts.
- Assist with the development and distribution of promotional materials, newsletters, and other communications to increase awareness of the program and its initiatives.
- Help establish and maintain relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and service providers to create opportunities for work placements, internships, and volunteer roles for students.
- Assist the Transition Program Manager in leading or supporting training sessions for parents, guardians, and faculty related to transition planning and goals.
- Late-Night Student Coverage: Provide late-night coverage once per week or as scheduled (typically no later than 4pm, but later on occasion)
- Back-up Coverage: Provide back-up coverage for internships, community, and classroom activities as needed.
- Master’s degree strongly preferred in a related field (Special Education, Education, or Clinical Field).
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Active MA Transition Certification, MA Teaching Licensure, or MA Clinical Licensure is a plus and preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Transition Programming.
- Proven track record of excellent relationship management skills.
- Ability to positively represent the organization both internally and externally.
- At least 2 years of supervision experience.
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities and transition-age youth.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with families, students, and staff.
- Experience with community-based instruction and vocational skills development preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Competitive salary
- 6 weeks of paid Vacation, 8 Sick days, and 2 Personal days in addition to scheduled holidays. Earn 1 additional Vacation day after 1 year of service and up to 2 additional days for every year of service thereafter.
- Medical Insurance including Fitness Center Reimbursement and Annual Physical Exam Bonus
- Dental Insurance & Vision Plan Onsite
- Workout Facility
- 401K Plan, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance
- Paid Parental Leave and Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Community Service Opportunities Half-day Summer Fridays
- We supply all materials (no out-of-pocket expenses!)
- Employer sponsored conference and workshop attendance for professional development Supportive and collaborative co-workers
Salary : $80,000 - $95,000