Transition Manager

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance supports.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Service Delivery, the Transition Manager is responsible for developing and expanding district-wide transition services for students with disabilities, ensuring alignment to research and evidence-based practices and the Common Core State Standards. The manager coordinates with school personnel, students, families, community partners, post school service providers, governmental agencies, and employers to execute this work. This position requires management of a departmental level budget and direct supervision of staff whose responsibilities include school supports, professional development, compliance monitoring, travel training, and IEP development.

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

• Identify processes, procedures, and best practices in secondary transition aligned to research and evidence based practices, and the Common Core State Standards
• Develop, monitor and adjust performance metrics for transition services
• Execute projects improving structures for transition planning and transition services at the building, Network, and District level
• Strengthen professional development portfolio and execute professional development
• Identify curriculum, assessments, and other related resources informing instruction and post-secondary transition planning
• Partner with appropriate community agencies, post school service providers, university partners, and organizations to identify and/or build school and community based transition supports
• Apply for, manage, and structure implementation of post-secondary related grants
• Develop and oversee the DHS STEP program and its components
• Coordinate and oversee state and/or district transition monitoring activities and reviews including but not limited to Indicators 13 & 14
• Implement district-wide programs that address community based vocational training and post-secondary education and training
• Supervise city-wide travel training program
• Manage the work of Transition Specialists and Travel Trainers
• Enhance structures for student, school and family involvement in the transition planning process
• Gather and analyze data to drive transition related supports at multiple levels
• Enhance parent (guardian) education opportunities
• Work collaboratively with all departments within CPS to support thoughtful transition of students with disabilities
• Manage the development of career fairs, transition fairs, high school fairs, job shadow days, etc.
• Ensure project documentation and any relevant records are complete, current, and stored appropriately
• Participate in staff development activities and conferences in order to maintain professional growth.
• Perform additional projects as determined by the Chief Officer or his/her designee

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Transition Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, required. Degree in education, rehabilitation services or counseling, preferred
• LBS II Transition Specialist certification required
• Master's degree strongly preferred
• Individuals who speak Spanish and/or are fluent in American Sign Language are preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of six (6) years of educational experience required
• Minimum of three (3) years experience with transition aged students (18 - 21) strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of regulations and procedures stipulated in IDEA with emphasis on transition planning
• Understanding of research and evidence-based practice in secondary transition
• Knowledge of career development and vocational training opportunities, post-secondary education options, and school-to-career programming
• Knowledge of vocational and other transition assessment techniques
• Understanding of strategies for developing, coordinating, and maintaining community-based work training programs
• Familiarity with child labor laws
• Capable of working effectively with school-based staff, citywide staff, and governmental and community based agencies
• Ability to promote and encourage parental involvement and participation in the transition process
• Extensive experience in developing and delivering professional training as it relates to school-to-career initiatives, comprehensive support processes, special education issues, and teaching and learning
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, associates, students, parents and community agencies and employers
• Ability to establish and maintain data tracking systems and utilize various software programs for project and program efficiency
• Capable of working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultivating an atmosphere of cultural responsiveness, respect, and teamwork
• Ability to manage professionals, review work effectiveness, and develop colleagues' skills as needed

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.

CPS Non-Union Job Grade: S09

Estimated Annual Salary Range: 87,000 - $115,500

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.