Readiness Specialist; Transition School

Work Based Readiness Specialist (Transition School to Work)

• Position Type:
  Classified Support Staff/ Special Education Assistant
• Date Posted: 7/9/2026
• Location:
  
  Cocke County High School

Job Title: Workplace / Work-Based Readiness Specialist

Program: Transition School to Work (TSW) / Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Reports To: Transition Case Manager / Special Education Director

Location: Local Education Agency (LEA) School District – Tennessee

Position Type: Full-Time / Contract (Grant-Funded)

The Work-Based Readiness Specialist is responsible for instructing, mentoring, and preparing high school students with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment and post-secondary success. Working as part of the Transition School to Work (TSW) grant team, this individual delivers Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), coordinates work-based learning (WBL) experiences, and helps students develop critical workplace and independent living skills.

1. Student Instruction & Skill Development

• Teach students how to perform specific vocational tasks, navigate workplace policies, and model professional behavior.
• Deliver targeted instruction in both group and individual settings to improve skills in job seeking, application processes, and job retention.
• Implement selected Pre-ETS curricula chosen by the LEA TSW team, covering resume writing, interview preparation, and reference building.
• Conduct training on independent living skills, personal hygiene, and professional grooming tailored to workplace expectations.
• Identify students' strengths and skill deficiencies in professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking; design creative strategies to accommodate employment barriers.

2. Work-Based Learning (WBL) Support & Job Coaching

• Assist students during on-the-job training experiences, including job sampling, job shadowing, volunteer work, internships, and summer work programs.
• Support students in building healthy, collaborative relationships with site supervisors and co-workers.
• Monitor on-site workplace safety procedures and ensure students strictly adhere to student and corporate safety guidelines.
• Partner with students to set weekly goals and priorities, assessing their ability to independently perform newly learned tasks.
• Step in with conflict resolution or crisis intervention when difficult behavioral or situational challenges occur at the school or work site.
• Collaborate closely with the TSW grant team, Pre-ETS Specialists, Transition Case Managers, and referring Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors.
• Confer regularly with parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators to report student progress, address behavioral concerns, and determine resource needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records and medical history in compliance with federal and state regulations (FERPA/HIPAA).
• Use administrative software to accurately log data, write monthly service delivery updates, and assist in completing Pre-ETS Individual Service Reports.
• Assist in the planning, development, and execution of local TSW summer workshops or summer student employment programs.

• Instructional Methods: Ability to adapt teaching methods and modify tasks creatively to support individuals with varying learning styles and disabilities.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong ability to connect with teenagers, diffuse tense or difficult situations, and maintain an empathetic yet professional boundaries.
• Collaboration & Communication: Clear oral and written communication skills to effectively bridge updates between students, parents, corporate work site supervisors, and state VR counselors.
• Technical Savvy: Proficient with data entry tools, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, and an openness to learning assistive technologies or supportive communication devices.

• Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Social Work, or Human Services preferred).
• Clearances: Must pass a Tennessee Department of Education fingerprinting and background check.
• Travel: Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license and reliable transportation, as localized travel between the school district and community work-based learning sites is required.