Job Description:
Job Brief: The Special Education Teacher / Transition Coordinator works with students who have a variety of physical, emotional, learning, or behavioral disabilities, primarily focusing on students aged 14-22. The role is designed to prepare students for competitive and/or supported post-secondary employment and/or supported day-service options. This individual will collaborate with school personnel, students and families, community job sites, and adult agencies to ensure that students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and transition objectives are met. The position requires the ability to implement individualized teaching plans and transition strategies to support students in achieving their fullest potential in both academic and social settings.
Assessment:

• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to use current and appropriate assessment tools and practices for special education and transition services.
• Develops clear, specific written documentation of assessment results, including transition assessments and vocational reports.
• Maintains objective, ongoing assessments of student progress through regular documentation.
• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of students in collaboration with sending towns, families, and community agencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ecological assessment and assists in evaluating student success at job sites and in the community.
• Provides support with transition assessments and collaborates with other staff to track vocational progress for students.

Management:

• Assists in the orderly scheduling and implementation of transdisciplinary programs, coordinating with work floor supervisors and vocational staff.
• Organizes time, space, materials, and personnel to ensure effective instruction and the completion of transition-related projects.
• Develops and/or implements appropriate behavior management strategies to support students in various settings.
• Coordinates and maintains work floor schedules, community job site schedules, and transportation for students to ensure smooth transition activities.
• Manages vocational data collection and provides reports for staff, families, and agencies.

Communication:

• Consults with members of the school community, parents, and community agencies to ensure effective communication in support of student goals and transition services.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills to encourage collaboration and ensure a positive working and learning environment.
• Provides families with documentation and paystubs needed for government benefits, such as tax papers and payroll information for student workers.
• Maintains professional communication with adult agencies, community partners, and stakeholders regarding student progress, job development, and transition planning.

Instruction:

• Implements individual prescriptive programs for students, using appropriate materials, technology, and teaching techniques to meet their academic and transition objectives.
• Provides vocational support and training for staff to help them understand and implement strategies that promote student learning and transition success.
• Coordinates and plans small group lessons, focusing on life skills and vocational training to enhance students' independence and employability.
• Model appropriate social skills and behaviors, integrating community-based learning experiences where applicable.
• Enhances student learning with resources and experiences from other educational and community agencies, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
• Utilizes augmented forms of communication when appropriate to support students with varying needs.
• May provide special education instruction in a classroom setting in addition to transition-based instruction to students as necessary.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrates a strong foundation in the skills of reading, writing, mathematics, and specialized communication methods such as signing exact English.
• Applies specialized knowledge in the areas of special education, transition planning, and vocational training to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Stays updated on national, state, and local education policies, practices, and procedures, particularly regarding transition services for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of up-to-date technology and innovative trends that can support students in both academic and vocational settings.
• Understands and applies principles of positive reinforcement to foster motivation and success in transition activities and job placements.