Special Eduction Transition Specialist

Special Eduction Transition Specialist

North Andover Public Schools Systemwide - North Andover, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in North Andover Public Schools

North Andover Public Schools

POSITION:
Transition Specialist (Special Education, Ages 14–22)

DEPARTMENT:
Student Services / Special Education

REPORTS TO:

Director of Student Services / Special Education Coordinator

The Transition Specialist supports students with disabilities in developing the skills necessary for successful post‑secondary outcomes in employment, education, and independent living. This role requires a dually certified professional (School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker + Transition Specialist) who works collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners to design and implement individualized, results‑oriented transition services.

• Assessment & IEP Development
  • Conduct comprehensive transitional and vocational assessments aligned with student strengths, preferences, and interests.
  • Interpret, summarize, and present assessment results at IEP Team meetings.
  • Develop and implement appropriate, measurable transition goals, benchmarks, and direct service delivery models.
• Targeted Instruction & Skill Building

  Provide individualized, small-group, and direct instruction integrating the following core areas into academic, vocational, and community‑based settings:

  • Career & Vocational Readiness:
    Pre‑vocational skills, career exploration, workplace behaviors, professional communication, and workplace social skills.
  • Independence & Self‑Advocacy:
    Safety, travel training, community access, and independent daily living skills.
  • Social‑Emotional & Behavioral Support:
    Social‑emotional learning (SEL), emotional regulation, coping strategies, and real‑time support during periods of emotional or behavioral dysregulation using therapeutic and crisis‑management strategies.
  • Executive Functioning:
    Organization, planning, time management, and task initiation.
• Community Programming & Job Coaching
  • Develop, coordinate, and monitor community‑based learning opportunities (internships, job shadows, employment experiences).
  • Identify, secure, and evaluate appropriate vocational, educational, and recreational placements.
  • Supervise, train, and collaborate with job coaches and employers to establish student accommodations, strategies, and ongoing performance assessments.
• Agency Collaboration & Case Management
  • Identify and connect students and families with appropriate adult service agencies (e.g., Mass Ability, DDS) and guide them through navigating adult service systems.
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with community partners, employers, and state agencies.
  • Collaborate with special education staff on post‑secondary planning, including college and training program exploration.
  • Maintain detailed records of all transition‑related activities, outreach efforts, placements, and student progress.
  • Coordinate and contribute to district‑wide transition initiatives.

Required:

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in School Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
• Licensure/Certification:
  Current licensure/certification as a School Adjustment Counselor or School Social Worker AND certification or demonstrated expertise in Transition Services.
• Experience:
  
  Proven experience working with students with disabilities in school and/or community‑based settings.
• Knowledge Base:
  Strong knowledge of transition planning, vocational assessment, and post‑secondary outcomes; familiarity with state agencies and adult service systems.
• Core
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
• Logistics:
  Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record (required for transporting students to community‑based sites).

Preferred

Skills:

• Experience developing community partnerships and employment opportunities.
• Knowledge of IDEA transition requirements and compliance procedures.
• Experience supervising or training job coaches.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.

• Frequent travel within the community to job sites and partner locations.