Transition Coordinator

Department: Student Services

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit B

Reports to: Assistant Director of Student Services

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY:  The Transition Coordinator’s responsibility is to oversee all functions and operations of the Community Connections Post-Graduate Program. 
Responsibilities include:

• Supervision and evaluation of program staff
• Collaboration with high school teachers, special education department heads, and administrators to identify students in need of transition services
• Development and implementation of individualized transition supports and services including employment, postsecondary education, community training and travel training for individuals ages 18-22 with disabilities
• Provide orientation and training to teachers, teaching assistants, parents and students on transition topics, including self-determination, SSI benefits, ADA transportation and adult service agencies highlighting the difference between school and adult supports
• Ensure that students are referred to adult funding sources and connections are made prior to them aging out

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education
• Massachusetts DESE Transition Specialist Endorsement
• Master’s Degree or higher in special education administration or related field
• Minimum of 5-years’ experience transition services
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulations
• Ability to effectively supervise, evaluate, coach and mentor teachers, social workers and teaching assistants
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to think creatively, especially with regard to resources
• Innovative approach to programming
• Strong work ethic

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Supervise and evaluate all members of the Community Connections Post Graduate Program
• Encourage staff development and provide ongoing in-service programs for department members and community partners
• Assist program members in the handling of day-to-day problems of instructions and guidance, and act as a resource for them
• Monitor and provide appropriate consultation services for the department
• Coordinate the hiring process for teachers and paraprofessionals in the department
• Continually monitor students’ progress, including overseeing reevaluations and referrals to adult services
• Identify a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyze the data for decision making
• Coordinate the smooth transition of all students as they move from grade 12 to the Community Connections Post-Graduate Program
• Supervise the development of individual education programs for special needs students
• Monitor and encourage the development of new programs designed to meet the needs of students within the community
• Other duties as needed

Work Environment:

Work Environment:

• Work Environment:
  • Work is performed in a school and community environments
   
  Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to travel locally (must possess valid driver’s license)
  • Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and all other standard office equipment
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds
  • Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building
   
  
  

Department: Student Services 

Job Title: Transition Teacher/Specialist High School 

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: Special Education Department Head/Transition Coordinator

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: The transition teacher/specialist will provide high school building-based support, direct service, coaching and consultation to facilitate a collaborative transition planning process across with students, staff, and families.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
 
DESE License or License Eligible in Special Education, Education, School Counselor, Psychologist or other related discipline
DESE Transition Specialist preferred
Strong leadership skills
Strong multi-faceted transition planning experience and expertise across educational, vocational, community, college and career domains
Experience working with a range of students with disabilities age 14-22
 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Primary responsibilities are to develop and implement post secondary options, including career development and post secondary education supports and services for students with disabilities as they prepare to leave high school. The Transition Specialist will provide linkages within the school for successful transition services, such as sharing information with teachers and administrators; provide linkages with adult agencies and businesses; conduct assessment and career counseling activities; facilitate transition-planning processes; and educate special education teachers, employers, job and educational coaches, and Institutes of Higher Education about the value of self-determination and transition options for students with disabilities. Family support and resources will be provided by the Transition Specialist, as well as public relations activities; program development that is reflective of students’ preferences and interests; and program evaluation. Consistent and on-time attendance is required for supervision and instruction of the students Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed.
   
  Individual student support:
  • Attend/participate in IEP meetings
  • Meet with students to discuss transition planning and options
  • Be familiar with various types of student-centered planning methods
  • Work with students to choose most appropriate planning method based on individual style/preference
  • Coordinate person-centered-planning with staff
  • Assist students to participate in transition planning activities
  • Facilitating access to vocational/educational opportunities within general education
  • Identifying and referring students for more targeted vocational assessments as needed (like situational assessments)
  • Developing community-based training and community work-based learning opportunities based on identified student interests
  • Assisting student to examine/identify postsecondary training and education options connected to career interests
  • Assisting students to complete job readiness activities- resume, securing references, interview preparation
  • Assisting students to evaluate their postsecondary experiences
  • Identifying, establishing, and maintaining linkages with community agencies and businesses
  • Facilitating referrals to other agencies
  • Assist students to present their transition needs to transition team
  • Assist students in the community by providing transition services, including, but not limited to, travel training and observations at job sites.
   
  Family support:
  • Assist families, parents, and students to access transition services
  • Promote student, family, and school personnel understanding of laws, eligibility requirements, and availability of services
   
   
  School-wide transition services:

• Identify transition services provided by community agencies
• Provide support, guidance, and professional development as needed to middle school and high school special education staff
• Focus on infusing transition services into programming for all students
• Recognizing naturally occurring instances of transition within the middle school and high school curriculum
• Supporting the development of TPFs, writing goals, objectives, as needed
• Consult to teams (staff, families, and students) for various transition related needs (688 referrals, transition assessment, brainstorming student scenarios, etc)
• Collaborate with adult providers and community partners as needed
• Provide resources to families, disseminate information regarding local workshops, conferences, and trainings
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing “other job-related duties” as needed

Work Environment:

 
Work is performed in office, school, and community settings
 
Physical Requirements:
 
Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.