Job details

Transition Specialist

The Center for Disability Services offers hope, innovation and achievement to the people we support.

For 80 years, we have been one of upstate New York’s largest providers of programs and services for individuals who have disabilities. Many of the innovative programs and vital services that we offer are not available elsewhere.

Job Title: Transition Specialist
Location: Albany, NY
Pay: $22.72 - $24.94/hour (commensurate with experience) + $1.06/hour for Bachelor's Degree

Job Overview:
We are seeking a passionate Transition Specialist to join the Langan School, where you will play a key role in preparing students with disabilities for life beyond school. In this position, you will develop and oversee the Vocational Education and L.I.F.E. (Learning Independence through Functional Education) Skills program, helping students acquire essential work and life skills that foster independence and success. This role involves working closely with teachers, therapists, families, and community partners to support students in achieving their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development: Design, implement, and evaluate the Vocational Education and Life Skills curriculum in alignment with NYS Education standards and student IEPs.
Student Transition Planning: Collaborate with students, families, and school staff to create transition plans that support long-term goals, including work placement and life skills development.
Work-Based Learning: Identify, coordinate, and supervise internal and external work placements (e.g., internships, job shadowing, youth employment) that provide students with real-world experience.
Coaching and Support: Provide ongoing guidance to students during their work/life skill experiences and offer classroom consultation to teachers and therapists regarding transition strategies.
Data Monitoring: Track and report on student progress, ensuring that the vocational and life skills program is effectively meeting educational and developmental goals.

Qualifications:

Education: Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred (additional $1.06/hour).
Certification: Active New York State Teaching Assistant or Teacher Certification required.
Experience: 3+ years of experience working in special education, particularly with students with moderate to severe disabilities. Experience in vocational education or life skills training is highly desirable.
Skills:
- Knowledge of special education, vocational education, and life skills management.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with students, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to design and implement functional assessments and curriculum.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting on student outcomes.

Why Join Us?
At Langan School, you'll have the chance to shape the future of students with disabilities, guiding them toward independence and success. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact in students' lives.

At The Center for Disability Services, we don’t just accept difference –we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and the people we support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.

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