Position Details:
NESCA is currently seeking vibrant, enthusiastic, and experienced applicants for the position of transition specialist. This is a full-time position in and around Newton, Massachusetts. However, part-time applicants are encouraged to apply. We are additionally highly interested in candidates who may able to deliver services in Londonderry, New Hampshire at our satellite office.
A transition specialist at NESCA provides a variety of direct client services as well as consultation to and collaboration with NESCA clinicians to help support all NESCA clients with transition planning needs. On a monthly basis, a transition specialist provides several independent transition evaluations, engages students and families in person-centered transition planning meetings, provides consultation and coaching to students and their parents and schools, and participates in IEP team meetings. While work is often office-based, a number of work hours are spent evaluating students at school and in their local communities as well as providing community-based skills coaching to students. Weekly participation in a staff seminar and a case conference luncheon with NESCA clinical staff is expected. Additional work activities often include parent or educator presentations and attending conferences and networking events.
A candidate for this full-time position will be experienced in evaluating, planning, developing, and implementing transition services for youth with a wide range of abilities and disability-related needs. The candidate will be a seasoned evaluator, familiar with administration and scoring of a range of transition assessment tools, and adept in working with teenagers and young adults as well as their family members, educators, and community providers.
Instructions for Application:
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Ms. Kelley Challen: kchallen@nesca-newton.com. All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Outstanding organizational, written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of person-centered planning, individualized supports models, self-determination principles and self-advocacy skills
- Knowledge of career counseling and job placement of students with occupational barriers including physical, social, emotional, learning and intellectual disabilities
- Knowledge of college readiness practices and preparation for technical learning
- Familiarity with psychological tests, vocational and transition related assessment tools (transition planning inventories, functional assessments, interest tests, aptitude tests, transferable skills analysis), and other evaluative techniques
- Understanding of skills necessary for postsecondary success, including but not limited to time management, planning and prioritizing, study skills, social skills, healthcare skills, and safety in school and community environments
- Knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of the student, family and school in the transition process
- Adept in identifying transition planning needs, developing transition action plans and associated Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals
- Experience presenting at and participating in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team Meetings as well as other in-school meetings to provide transition consultation
- Familiarity with adult service systems (e.g., higher education, vocational rehabilitation, SSI and Medicaid, developmental disability services, department of mental health) and community resources
- Ability to creatively problem-solve and think outside the box
- Able to work as an independent contributor (managing own client caseload) as well as a team player
- Commitment to continued learning and ongoing professional development
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling (Mental Health, Guidance, School Adjustment, Education), Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Pathology, Special Education, or a related field and at least three (3) years of experience performing formal and informal transition assessments to ascertain interests, strengths, preferences, aptitudes and needs related to competitive employment, education, training, and independent living
- OR at least five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a transition specialist, transition coordinator, vocational counselor, career counselor, guidance counselor, or related successful experience supporting transition-aged students with disabilities
Benefits
NESCA provides a generous compensation and benefits package for full time employees, including 401(K) with company match, subsidized health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, both long-term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, group dental insurance, and group 529 college savings plans. Free parking is available at all office locations. Employees additionally have 24/7 access to an on-site gym in Newton and acupuncture and personal training with staff clinicians is available at a discounted rate.