Job Summary

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) - Georgia School for the Deaf is recruiting for a Transition Specialist. Under general supervision, the transitions specialist at the Georgia School for the Deaf is a professional who helps students transition from one educational level or setting to another. This could involve transitions between grade levels, from elementary to middle school, from middle school to high school, or from high school to post-secondary education, vocational training, or employment. Duties include, but is not limited to the following:

Description of Duties

• Collaborate with students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to create individualized transition plans for students. These plans often address academic, vocational, and social goals.
• Assist students in exploring career options, identifying their interests and strengths, and developing a plan for achieving their career goals.
• Provide academic counseling to facilitate students' educational journeys.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to address and support students with special education needs.
• Develop and revise Individualized Graduation Plans (IGP) tailored to individual student needs and aspirations.
• Continuously assessing and monitoring students' progress toward their transition goals and making adjustments to the transition plan as needed.
• Oversee Dual Enrollment programs in coordination with Floyd County College and Career Academy and other colleges to expand students' educational opportunities.
• Connect students with community resources and agencies that can provide support services, vocational training, or job placement assistance.
• Help students explore and plan for post-secondary education options, such as college, technical schools, or other training programs.
• Maintain strong relationships with external organizations, such as GVRA and DBHDD, as well as academic institutions, to enhance support networks for students.
• Advocate for the needs of students during the transition process, whether it involves accommodations, support service, or other resources that facilitate a successful transition.
• Attend weekly Student CARE Team meetings. 
• Plan for senior activities, graduation ceremonies, and other end-of-the-year events.
• Coordinate ACT tests to ensure students are well-prepared for standardized assessments. 
• Connect families with appropriate resources to enhance their involvement in students' education. 

**Applicants will be expected to exhibit the ability to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) during the interview with an expectation of obtaining an ASL rating of 3+ or above within three (3) years from date of hire.

 Positions in this job are established for less than 10 months or scheduled for less than 30 hours per week and are not eligible for benefits.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:

• American Sign Language (ASL) skills at the intermediate level
• Master's degree in related field
• Experience with deaf or hard of hearing students
• Willing to complete necessary requirements in order to transport students in vehicles when necessary 

Consideration/interviews will begin as soon as a list of applicants is established.  Applications/resumes will be evaluated and only those meeting the qualifications may be forwarded to the hiring manager to be considered.  Candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted directly.  No notification will be sent to applicants except those who are selected for interviews. 

It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or age in its employment practices.  The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and each associated State School is a registered participant in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify.  The GaDOE utilizes the program to verify employment eligibility of individuals hired on or after July 1, 2007.