Department : Student Services
Job Title :
Transition Specialist & Transition Coordinator
FLSA Status : Exempt / Non-exempt)
Exempt; Unit A (.60 Teacher) & Unit B (.40 Administrator)
Reports to :
Director of Secondary Special Education
GENERAL DESCRIPTION (1-3 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE) :
Teacher Position : The Transition Specialist's responsibility is to provide school-building-based support, direct service, coaching, and consultation to facilitate a collaborative transition process with students, staff, and families.
Primary responsibilities include :
- Develop and implement post-secondary options, including career development and post-secondary education supports and services for students with disabilities
- Provide linkages within the school for successful transition services, such as sharing information with teachers and administrators.
- Provide linkages within the adult agencies and businesses
- Conduct assessment and career counseling activities
- Facilitate the transition planning processes
- 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 as well as public relations activities and program development.
Administrator Position : The Transition Coordinator's responsibility is to oversee all functions and operations of the Community Connections Post-Graduate Program.
Primary Responsibilities include :
Supervision and evaluation of program staffCollaboration with high school teachers, special education department heads, and administrators to identify students in need of transition servicesDevelopment and implementation of individualized transition supports and services, including employment, postsecondary education, community training, and travel training for individuals ages 18-22 with disabilitiesProvide 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 support.Ensure that students are referred to adult funding sources and connections are made prior to aging outQUALIFICATIONS :
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOTH POSITIONS :
DESE License in special education, school counseling, psychologist, or other related disciplineMassachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special EducationMaster's Degree or higher in special education administration or related field3-5-years' experience in transition servicesStrong multi-faceted transition planning experience and expertise across educational, vocational, community, college, and career domainsExperience working with a range of students with disabilities ages 14-22Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulationsAbility to effectively supervise, evaluate, coach, and mentor teachers, social workers, and teaching assistantsExcellent oral and written communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholdersDESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOTH POSITIONS :
Massachusetts DESE Transition Specialist EndorsementAbility to think creatively, especially regarding resourcesInnovative approach to programmingStrong work ethicESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO) :
Supervise and evaluate all members of the Community Connections Post-Graduate ProgramEncourage staff development and provide ongoing in-service programs for department members and community partnersAssist 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 to students, staff & families.Coordinate the hiring process for teachers and paraprofessionals in the department in the Community Connections Post-Graduate Program.Continually monitor students' progress, including overseeing reevaluations and referrals to adult services.Coordinate person-centered planning with staff.Identify a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyze the data for decision-makingCoordinate the smooth transition of all students 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.Attend / participate in IEP meetings as neededMeet with students to discuss transition planningDeveloping community-based training and community work-based learning opportunitiesAssist students in the community by providing transition services, including, but not limited to, travel training and observations at job sites.Assist families, parents, and students to access transition servicesProvide support, guidance, and professional development as needed to middle school and high school special education staffConsult teams (staff, families, and students for various transition-related needs (688 referrals, transition assessment, brainstorming student scenarios, etc.)Collaborate with adult providers and community partnersOther duties as neededWORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Work Environment :
Work is performed in school and community environments.Physical Requirements :
Ability to travel locally (must possess valid driver's license)Ability to operate a computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipmentAbility to sit or stand for extended periodsAbility to lift and / or move objects weighing up to 15 poundsSufficient mobility to navigate within a large school buildingDate Updated : 2 / 21 / 25
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.
