Salem Public Schools

Salem, Massachusetts

Job Description

Summary: The Transition Specialist will work in conjunction with other school personnel, transition staff, families, students and representatives of community agencies to develop transition plans, coordinate and deliver a wide range of post-secondary planning services to students with disabilities. The person would assist students in developing prevocational / readiness skills in order to enter the workforce, as well as completing formal and informal vocational/transition assessments. The person would also be responsible for further developing and maintaining relationships with the business community, and would be responsible for strengthening pre-vocational opportunities and employment development for students with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborate and consult with school based teams to assist in the development of a student's transition plans that are meaningful and appropriate.
2. Knowledge of school and post - school services for students with a variety of disabilities in regards to person-centered planning, post secondary education options, career, employment and post-secondary related activities.
3. Responsible to develop activities that foster career/employment skills for assigned students (interview skills, career mapping) as outlined in the student's transition plan.
4. Identify student's interests and preferences for employment using formal and informal assessment tools.
5. Match skills and interests of the student to skills and demands required by employment settings, and other community participation options.
6. Assist students in career research and identify necessary training and/or education required; assist students in securing employment, as appropriate.
7. Responsible for completing vocational and transition assessments (both formal and informal), completing written reports, and interpreting results and offering recommendations.
8. Responsible for developing and implementing work readiness seminars and tools for individuals with varying disabilities.
9. Responsible for training and implementing the Massachusetts Work Based Learning Plan for designated students.
10. Collaborate with transition staff and students in the development of individualized career portfolios.
11. Identify and facilitate appropriate modifications and accommodations in work settings and other community environments.
12. Create and maintain a smooth and viable relationship between school, transition, student and employer by:
a. Monitoring students
b. Contacting employer's by phone and visits
c. Recognizing needs and concerns of employer's
13. Represent SPS Special Education Department in area organizations such as the NorthEast ARC, Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the Regional Employment Board.
14. Serve as liaison to MRC, DDS, DMH and work closely with school teams in completing related referrals and paperwork (SOP, 688, etc.)
15. Assist in program development and work closely with Guidance Department to incorporate Salem Public School's Program of Study, guidance/advisory activities and general education opportunities into effective transition planning.
16. Responsible for assuring equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, marital status, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability.
17. Performance of other job-related duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Requirements

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Master's Degree in Special Education or related field
  2. Three (3) years' experience in the field of rehabilitation and vocational counseling
  4. Experience in person-centered planning and/or individual support models
  5. Knowledge of prevocational assessments and job development, in fading supports and task analysis, and job creation
  6. Ability to complete comprehensive transition assessments given excellent evaluation and report writing skills
  7. Ability to teach employment skills, coach, and evaluate students with disabilities who have diverse special needs
  8. Experience in employment development, community prevocational programming to initiate transition planning for students ages (14-22)
  
  QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Massachusetts teacher licensure in moderate/severe special education w/Transition Specialist Endorsement OR Certified Rehab Counselor (CRC)
  3. Knowledge of Salem businesses and community resources
  4. Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills
  
  SALARY: Substitute rate of $75.00 per day for the first 20 consecutive days, then at day 21 progress to the Salem Teachers Union Step and Column salary schedule
  
  WORK DAY: Must be willing to work a non-traditional work day with flexible hours to mirror needs within the community.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience preferred
• Master degree preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Alicia Palmer, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: apalmer@salemk12.org