Transition Specialist - Adult Education - Aspire Program

Canton City School District • Canton, OH

14h

About The Position

This is a grant-funded position supported through the Ohio Aspire Adult Education and Literacy Grant. Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding, program needs, and satisfactory performance. Aspire of Stark County serves adult learners throughout Stark County with instructional sites in Canton, Alliance, and Massillon. The program provides college and career preparation, concurrent enrollment opportunities, workforce literacy, English Language Acquisition, and high school equivalency preparation through both in-person and virtual instruction during day and evening hours. The Transitions Specialist supports Aspire participants by delivering instruction, advising, and transition services that promote academic success, re-entry, workforce readiness, and postsecondary advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• For instructional responsibilities: Valid Ohio teacher’s license or ability to obtain an adult education permit (assistance available), as required by Aspire.
• For navigation/transition responsibilities: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in adult education instruction, student advising, case management, workforce development, or transition services preferred.
• Proficiency in office protocol and instructional technology, including Google Workspace and distance education platforms.
• Ability to provide instruction in classroom, small-group, individual, and online settings.
• Ability to supervise and provide direction to aides and/or volunteers as assigned.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and assigned court-based hours.
• Knowledge of developmental education, student success strategies, diverse learning styles, and evidence-based practices for supporting at-risk adult learners.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with office equipment and technology appropriate to the assignment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Successful completion of BCI/FBI background check, mandated health screenings, and all district employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with adult learners in an Aspire/ABLE program strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Ohio Aspire performance measures, assessment practices, and data accountability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties in alignment with Ohio Aspire Adult Education and Literacy Grant goals, policies, and monitoring requirements.
• Support achievement of Ohio Aspire primary indicators of performance, including Educational Functioning Level (EFL) gains, High School Equivalency (HSE) attainment, Measurable Skill Gains (MSG), and transitions to postsecondary education, training, or unsubsidized employment.
• Administer and document required intake, orientation, assessment, and placement activities in compliance with Ohio Aspire assessment and data integrity standards.
• Create adult individual learning plans and transition plans aligned with participant goals and Aspire performance outcomes.
• Provide instruction and instructional support in math, reading, writing, social studies, and science for GED preparation or skill refreshment, as assigned, with an emphasis on literacy instruction in reading and writing when applicable.
• Monitor participant attendance, academic progress, behavior, and engagement; implement early intervention strategies for participants at risk of non-persistence.
• Conduct proactive advising meetings to review progress toward program completion, transition goals, and compliance expectations.
• Assist participants with transitions from Aspire/GED programs into postsecondary education, training, or employment, including referral, coordination, and required follow-up documentation.
• Deliver or coordinate career navigation and workforce readiness activities, including soft skills development, employability skills, resume development, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
• Work with the Canton City Courts Day Reporting Program, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., to support justice-involved participants with re-entry planning, accountability, workforce readiness, and connection to education and employment pathways.
• Maintain accurate, current, and confidential participant records and required program data in accordance with Ohio Aspire data collection, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Collect, document, and report required follow-up outcomes, including employment, postsecondary enrollment, credential attainment, and retention, consistent with Ohio Aspire performance accountability timelines.
• Coordinate referrals to internal and external support services and community partners to reduce barriers to participation and completion.
• Maintain knowledge of Ohio Aspire policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure accurate information is provided to participants.
• Participate in Aspire-required professional development, meetings, monitoring activities, and continuous improvement efforts, including a minimum of two professional development activities annually.
• Promote the program and recruit participants through outreach, networking, and collaboration with schools, courts, employers, and community agencies.
• Maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, and ethical standards in accordance with licensure codes and district policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent, Director, or designee.

Benefits

• Eligibility for State Teachers Retirement System and Workers’ Compensation.
• Additional benefits may be available based on employment status, hours worked, and Board of Education policies.
• Compensation based on education and experience, aligned with the Adult Education/Instructional Salary Schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees