Program Lead Norwich Transition Academy & Transition Svcs

Norwich Public Schools•Norwich, CT

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Lead of Norwich Transition Academy and Transition Services provides leadership, coordination, supervision, and operational oversight for transition programming and services for students ages 18–22 receiving special education services through Norwich Public Schools. This position combines the responsibilities previously associated with transition coordination with expanded program leadership and operational oversight responsibilities to support the daily operation, supervision, safety, staffing, and continuity of the Norwich Transition Academy (NTA) and associated community-based instructional and vocational programming. The position includes embedded leadership and administrative responsibilities to support program operations, staff oversight, classroom and community-based coverage, vocational programming supervision, and student safety across school and community settings.

Requirements

Connecticut certification appropriate for special education and transition programming is required.
Connecticut 092 Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor certification required.
Experience working with students with disabilities in transition or community-based programming is required.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with adult agencies, families, employers, and community organizations.
Knowledge of IDEA transition requirements, vocational programming, community-based instruction, and special education compliance.
Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Safety Care Training is required

Responsibilities

Serve as the designated Transition Coordinator for the District
Coordinate and oversee transition services and programming for students ages 18–22 receiving special education services.
Participate in PPT meetings and assist in the development and implementation of transition assessments, measurable postsecondary goals, and coordinated transition activities aligned with student needs and interests.
Collaborate with students, families, staff, and adult service agencies, including DDS, BRS, DORS, and community providers, to support successful postsecondary transitions.
Maintain documentation and records related to transition services and ensure compliance with IDEA requirements, district expectations, and student programming needs.
Assist in the development of individualized vocational, community-based, and independent living opportunities for students.
Provide day-to-day operational leadership and oversight for the Norwich Transition Academy program.
Assist with maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment across classroom and community-based settings.
Provide leadership and decision-making support during daily operations, including responding to emergent situations, behavioral concerns, transportation issues, staffing needs, and student safety concerns.
Support classroom and program coverage as needed to ensure continuity of services during staff absences or shortages.
Assist with scheduling, coordination of student programming, and organization of community-based instructional activities.
Maintain and oversee a comprehensive calendar of Norwich Transition Academy events, vocational activities, community-based instructional experiences, student work schedules, and community outings.
Assist in the supervision, training, scheduling, and ongoing support and evaluation of transition paraeducators, job coaches, teachers, and support staff.
Provide coaching and support to staff related to vocational instruction, community-based learning, behavioral supports, student independence, workplace expectations, and safety procedures.
Collaborate with district administration regarding staffing needs, program concerns, staff performance expectations, and program development.
Support supervision and coordination of staff assignments to ensure appropriate student support across school and community settings.
Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses, employers, vocational programs, and community organizations to expand vocational and community-based learning opportunities for students.
Conduct frequent and consistent onsite visits and reviews of community job placements, vocational training locations, and work-based learning sites to monitor student progress, safety, staff effectiveness, and quality of programming.
Establish and maintain ongoing communication with community employers, vocational partners, and job site supervisors to support successful student experiences and collaborative partnerships.
Create and maintain a Shared Google Calendar of all work sites and all NTA activities
Coordinate transportation, schedules, staffing, and logistics related to community-based instruction and vocational programming.
Support students in developing vocational, social, communication, independent living, and self-advocacy skills.
Ensure all required documentation related to community job placements, vocational training sites, and partnership agreements is current, accurate, and maintained in accordance with district expectations and applicable regulations.
Maintain records related to job site contacts, student placements, emergency information, training agreements, liability documentation, site expectations, and other required program records associated with community-based instruction and vocational programming.
Maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with families, school staff, adult agencies, employers, and community partners regarding student progress and programming needs.