Transition Specialist

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

2d

About The Position

The Transition Specialist supports high school and Transition Academy students with moderate to severe exceptional learning needs by coordinating and implementing comprehensive transition services. The role prepares students for post-secondary outcomes through individualized transition planning, vocational assessments, community-based training, workplace readiness instruction, and collaboration with families, schools, and community agencies. The specialist ensures transition goals and services align with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and promotes independence, employability, and community integration in accordance with each student’s post-secondary vision.

The position also provides consultation and technical assistance to secondary and post-secondary staff on transition compliance, curriculum, programming, and best practices. The Springfield Public Schools district serves approximately 24,000 students and emphasizes equity, professional development, and career advancement opportunities for staff.

Requirements

• Hold a Massachusetts DESE license in one of the following areas: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12); Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All); Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (All); Teacher of the Visually Impaired (All); School Guidance Counselor; School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor; or Massachusetts Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience working in special education.

Nice To Haves

• Massachusetts DESE Transition Specialist Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vocational assessments for students with IEPs and incorporate findings into their Transition Plans and IEPs.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to identify student needs and develop appropriate pre-vocational, vocational, and work-based learning experiences.
• Coordinate and maintain partnerships with schools, community agencies, employers, and service providers to support community-based instruction and vocational training aligned with students’ transition goals.
• Provide direct instruction and support to individual students and small groups in workplace readiness, travel training, job exploration, self-advocacy, and community access skills.
• Provide on-site job coaching and use problem-solving strategies to help students develop independence and perform workplace tasks successfully.
• Use transition-planning tools to support student progress and skill development.
• Assist post-secondary teachers and paraeducators with student records, documentation, and required forms related to transition services.
• Communicate student progress with families through progress reports, meetings, and participation in IEP meetings as appropriate.
• Identify and develop vocational placements, community work experiences, and transition programs for secondary and post-secondary students receiving special education services.
• Maintain communication and collaboration with employers, adult service agencies, and state organizations, including DDS, the Massachusetts MASSABILTIES Commission, and related agencies.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to secondary and post-secondary staff on transition compliance, curriculum development, transition-based programming, and transition-planning best practices.
• Collaborate with the Director of Transportation and/or designee to coordinate transportation schedules and ensure student access to community-based vocational and transition activities.
• Participate in local and statewide transition committees, professional development, and DESE initiatives to share current transition practices and resources with district staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Mentors, including instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches, to support teaching staff throughout the year.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs that help staff achieve a college degree or access certification pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed