Transition Specialist (Special Education Program Specialist

Transition Specialist (Special Education Program Specialist)

The Special Education Transition Specialist provides advanced programmatic and compliance support to the Director of Special Education by coordinating district wide transition services for secondary students receiving special education services. This position is responsible for promoting compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Secondary Transition requirements, including Indicator 13, and supporting schools in the development of high-quality transition plans that prepare students for post-secondary education, employment, vocational training, military service, and independent living.

The Transition Specialist serves as a technical assistance resource to special education teachers, related service providers, and administrators by providing guidance on the preparation of compliant transition components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This position does not serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative, does not chair IEP meetings, and does not make eligibility, placement, or programmatic decisions reserved for the IEP Team.

The Transition Specialist meets individually with secondary students to administer transition assessments, career interest inventories, and student interest surveys; assists students in identifying post-secondary goals; and coordinates community partnerships and work-based learning opportunities aligned with student interests and post-secondary outcomes.

This position is designated as a Confidential Employee and routinely has access to confidential student, educational, medical, and personnel information. The employee is expected to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, initiative, and discretion while ensuring all assignments from the Director of Special Education are completed accurately and within established timelines.

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a closely related field.
• Valid New Mexico Educator License preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with secondary special education students.
• Experience with IDEA, transition planning, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Experience collaborating with community agencies and transition service providers preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• New Mexico Special Education Technical Evaluation and Assessment Manual (NM TEAM).
• IDEA Secondary Transition requirements and Indicator 13.
• IEP development and compliance requirements.
• Age-appropriate transition assessments.
• Postsecondary education and career planning.
• Community agencies supporting transition services.
• Vocational rehabilitation services.
• FERPA confidentiality requirements.
• Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and district software applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret federal and state special education regulations.
• Review IEPs for transition compliance.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance to staff.
• Build partnerships with community agencies and employers.
• Analyze compliance data and prepare reports.
• Work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Develop positive relationships with students, parents, educators, and community partners.
• Organize multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, district student information systems, special education software (NOVA), transition assessment tools, career interest inventories, office equipment, district vehicles (as assigned), and other district-approved technology platforms.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate verbally and electronically, operate office equipment, and travel throughout the district to school sites and community agencies.

Occasionally required to lift instructional materials and office supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requires…