Transition Specialist

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S06

Position Type :
Non-Union Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community.

Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Student with Disabilities is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans toward greater student development and achievement. OSD uses a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Academic Access, the Transition Specialist will be responsible for supporting the implementation, expansion and monitoring the successful execution of transition services for students with disabilities, including but not limited to planning for transition to post-secondary independence and designing thoughtful transitions between grades. The Transition Specialist will implement coordinated activities to support students with disabilities in their transition to successful outcomes in post-secondary employment, education, training, independent living, and community involvement through collaboration with school personnel, students, families, community partners, post-school service providers, governmental agencies, and employers.

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for hours worked on a salary basis.

The Transition Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Vital administrative tasks that directly support our students and connects them to an agency
  • Facilitate the intake of DRS referrals
  • Oversee the upkeep of our applicant data tracker to ensure comprehensive record-keeping
  • Adhere to required yearly application numbers set by DHS
  • Collaborate with DHS counselors and personnel to ensure effective support for the DRS process
  • Provide essential guidance to families and students on how to connect with DHS and begin their DRS referral journey
• Support schools through providing guidance, technical assistance, and leading professional development sessions for school staff in areas including but not limited to:
  • Maintain a focus on inclusive practices
  • Promote increased awareness and accessibility to district-wide programs and/or services encouraging participation in activities supporting the three areas of transition: post-secondary employment, post-secondary education and/or training, and independent living skills training
  • Support schools in the effective implementation and facilitation…