Transition Specialist

This is an exciting opportunity to join a creative, collaborative, and dynamic team at the Lawrence Public Schools. Lawrence is home to 12 middle schools and they all join together in the Lawrence High School. The purpose of this job is to support our students and families as they prepare and ultimately join our high school community. This position also serves to support the beginning transition process for students who are enrolled in special education in the initiation of their transition planning documents. Duties/Responsibilities: -Identifies the students’ needs and implements transition-related supports -Serves as the liaison for special education students and their families moving from 8th-9th grade -Developing family centered opportunities for transitional education -Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas of transitional needs for students transitioning from middle school to high school. -Provide professional development and guidance to special education teachers and providers in developing appropriate transition plans for students 14-15 years old. -Collaborate with principals at the middle and high schools to evaluate student readiness for high school and needed support. -Engages with families around the transition process -Present at open houses and transitional meetings as appropriate -Work with special education teams to develop student driven IEP planning, targeting service delivery, assessment, transition planning forms, and self determination. -Carries out ongoing progress monitoring of implemented transitional supports -Provides professional development to create a transitional plan collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, and other school staff. -Ensure programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs. -Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study. -Celebrates the achievements and successes of students. -Performs other related duties as assigned. -Traveling between schools is required as part of this position -Collaborate with our high school Transition specialist as assigned Desired Skills and Characteristics of a Transition Specialist Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students. Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services. Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods. Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Qualifications: Master’s degree preferred Experience with transitional supports preferred Experience with special education preferred Transition endorsement preferred