North Andover Public Schools 

Job Description

 

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

DEPARTMENT: Student Services / Special Education 

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services / Special Education Coordinator 

 

OVERVIEW

 

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.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Agency Collaboration & Case Management

• Identify and connect students and families with appropriate adult service agencies (e.g., MassAbility, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent travel within the community to job sites and partner locations.
• Ability to support and monitor students actively in a variety of environments, including vocational, academic, and community settings.

WORK YEAR & SALARY RANGE

• 184 days 
• $70,000-$80,000 based on experience and education