Transition Program Manager

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 PHS program. Our Post High School students participate in dual enrollment college coursework, plus offsite & onsite internships. We are currently recruiting for a 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 Teachers and Special Educators, Reading and Math Specialists, and Directors. We have a low student to staff ratio.  The Transition Program Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic vision 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 individual will provide leadership and coordination for the development and implementation of transition planning, focusing on students' academic, vocational, social, and emotional growth. The Program Manager will collaborate closely with the school principal, special education administrator, clinicians, and/or program consultant to ensure the program aligns with students' post-secondary goals. Additionally, the Transition Program Manager will work with staff, families, and external agencies to meet students' needs and support their transition to adulthood. This role is open to experienced leaders with strong transition programming, special education, and/or clinical backgrounds. This is a full-time position, onsite 5 days/week Monday - Friday. RESPONSIBILITIES:  Program Management & Support:

• Oversee Day-to-Day Program Operations: Manage daily activities and ensure the transition program runs smoothly, adhering to the PBIS model. Coordinate operational aspects, including student schedules, while developing and implementing personalized transition supports for individuals ages 18-22 with disabilities. Collaborate closely with the clinical support team to ensure alignment with students' transition goals, including employment, postsecondary education, community training, and travel training. 

Supervision and Support:

• Supervise Transition Program Staff: Oversee staff involved in the transition program, including the Assistant Manager, teachers and counselors. Provide guidance, model best practices, and ensure staff are trained in transition planning, individualized goals, and effective instructional methods. May supervise clinicians if assigned. Direct supervision will be split with the Assistant Manager with assigned direct reports. 
• Ensure Curriculum Adherence: Oversee that the curriculum follows the scope and sequence and ensure teachers are adhering to all accommodations and modifications for students, whether in the classroom, during internships, or in the community. 
• Program Meetings: Facilitate weekly staff meetings, ensuring that meeting notes are documented and accessible to leadership. Model best practices and guide effective strategies for supporting students during these meetings. 

Collaboration with Clinical Team:

• Work closely with the clinical team (BCBAs, counselors, and other specialists) to integrate transition planning into the program and ensure a collaborative approach to developing IEPs, supporting student growth, and providing comprehensive student support. 

Transition Planning & Curriculum Development:

• Post-Secondary Transition Planning: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create and implement individualized post-secondary plans that address education, employment, independent living, and social/emotional needs. 
• IEP Development & Progress Monitoring: Plan and coordinate IEP planning meetings, ensuring all relevant team members are involved and transition goals are effectively addressed. Attend IEP meetings as needed. 
• Transition Program Collaboration: Support and collaborate with all staff on transition-focused activities, including employment skills, self-advocacy, community engagement, and independent living skills. Seek and integrate clinical input to ensure effective transition planning and instructional implementation. 

Job Development and Placement:

• Coordinate Job Development & Placement: Maintain on-site job placements and collaborate with local businesses and community partners to provide off-site opportunities that help students develop transferable work skills. 
• Work-Placement Exploration & Support: Supervise and guide work-placement activities, including internships, job-shadowing, and volunteer opportunities. Provide ongoing support and coaching to students as they engage in these experiences. 

Data Collection & Progress Monitoring:

• Ensure work-placement activities are in alignment with the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan. Track and monitor student progress, adjusting strategies and supports as needed to achieve transition goals. 

Testing, Evaluations, and Transition Assessments and Community Engagement

• Conduct Transition Evaluations: Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate students' strengths, vocational interests, academic skills, and social/emotional needs. Write detailed reports to inform transition planning and goal-setting. 

• Collaborate with External Agencies: Work with agencies such as DDS, DMH, and MassAbility to support transition planning and facilitate referrals to adult services. 
• Support Transition Planning for Students Aging Out: Guide families through the transition process as students approach age 22, helping them navigate adult services, funding options, and education/employment opportunities. 
• Communication with Families: Serve as the primary liaison with families, districts, and outside agencies. Provide regular updates on student progress and upcoming events. 
• Community Outreach & Partnership Building: Cultivate relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and service providers to create job, internship, and volunteer opportunities for students. 

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Scheduling & Case Management: Oversee the development and management of staff and student schedules, ensuring alignment with IEP goals. 
• DESE Procedures: Ensure the program follows DESE procedures and assist with program reviews. 
• Communication: Maintain communication with parents, classroom staff, and the clinical team regarding student progress.

 

• Oversee the implementation of the transition curriculum, adapting it to meet individual student needs. Assist in creating parent newsletters, presentations, and other communications. Support the planning and execution of annual program initiatives, including an overnight event at a local university where students practice generalizing independent living skills, community skills, and other life skills. 

Presentations & Workshops:

• Lead workshops and presentations for families, focusing on program details such as curriculum and career development opportunities. Lead training sessions for parents, guardians, and faculty related to transition planning and goals. 

Admissions:

• Focus on driving enrollment, ensuring the program meets target enrollment numbers. 

Marketing and Program Promotion:

• Assist in the development and distribution of marketing materials to raise awareness of the program. 

Other Responsibilities:

• Late-Night Student Coverage: Provide late-night coverage once per week or as scheduled (typically no later than 4 pm, but later on occasion) 
• Back-up Coverage: Provide back-up coverage for internships, community, and classroom activities as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree required - related Special Education, Education, or Clinical field.
• MA Transition Certification, Active MA Teaching/Administrator Licensure, or MA Clinical Licensure is a plus and preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transition programming. 
• Proven track record of excellent relationship management skills. 
• Demonstrate ability to positively represent an organization both internally and externally.
• At least 5-8 years of experience as a Manager or Director of a program. 
• At least 5 years of supervision experience. 
• At least 5 years of experience working with special education students and/or individuals with disabilities.

Milestones Provides Excellent Benefits, Including

• 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: $90,000-$105,000 annually

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000