Position Title:                  Special Education Transition Coordinator

Work Days:                      200 Days

Reports To:                      Special Ed Director/Principal

Evaluation Tool:               GaLEADS

FLSA Status                     Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Special Education Transition Coordinator supports high school students with disabilities by developing and implementing effective transition plans and work readiness programs. The Coordinator collaborates with students, families, school staff, community agencies, and postsecondary partners to ensure compliance with IDEA transition requirements and to prepare students for success in education, employment, and independent living after high school.

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must hold a valid Georgia educator certificate in Special Education, such as General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum, with a minimum of three years of experience working with students with disabilities. A strong understanding of IDEA regulations, the IEP process, and Georgia’s state-specific transition requirements is essential. Preferred candidates will have prior experience coordinating transition services or work-based learning programs, along with familiarity with community-based agencies.  Experience in a high school setting or background in counseling is a plus.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 
 

1. Coordinate and oversee the development of Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs) for students with IEPs, beginning no later than age 14, in compliance with IDEA and Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) regulations.
2. Develop and monitor individualized transition plans in collaboration with IEP teams, students, families, and service providers, ensuring that transition goals are age-appropriate, measurable, and aligned with students’ strengths, preferences, and interests.
3. Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, providing expertise on transition services, goals, and compliance.
4. Organize and coordinate work-based learning experiences, including job shadowing, internships, career exploration, and on-site employment partnerships.
5. Partner with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), and other transition service agencies to support seamless referrals and services.
6. Provide transition-related assessments and gather data to inform transition planning and postsecondary goals.
7. Support students and families in understanding postsecondary options, including college, technical training, employment pathways, and independent living resources.
8. Organize and lead transition fairs, workshops, and family engagement events related to postsecondary preparation.
9. Monitor student progress toward postsecondary goals and ensure alignment of transition services.
10. Maintain accurate records and documentation for compliance monitoring and data reporting.
11. Provide professional learning and technical assistance to school teams regarding best practices in transition services.
12. Serve as a liaison between schools, families, employers, and community organizations to facilitate student success beyond high school.
13. Ensure district compliance with state and IDEA transition mandates and participate in GaDOE audits and monitoring activities as needed.
14. Maintain all records and documentation accurately.
15. Collaborate with instructional staff to embed transition skills into the curriculum.
16. Stay informed about best practices, legal mandates, and current research related to secondary transition.
17. Adhere to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and all school board policies and procedures.
18. Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or district administration.

SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills
2. Ability to build effective relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners
3. Knowledge of career development, independent living skills, and post-secondary education options
4. Data collection, analysis, and reporting skills
5. Commitment to student advocacy and inclusive practices

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   Students as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to work well with teachers, school administrative teams, and district office leaders.
2. Exceptional integrity, commitment to confidentiality, excellent character, and strong professional reputation.
3. Adherence to the Georgia Professional Standards Code of Ethics for Educators.
4. Must be regularly, predictably, and reliably at work.
5. Ability to be present at the physical worksite.
6. Must perform tasks involving prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting.
7. Must perform routine physical activities such as bending and lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds.
8. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary: Contingent on degrees and years of experience. *If under GA Senate Bill 150 for retirees, Valdosta City Schools pays 90% of the state-based pay PLUS a local supplement

All applicants should apply through our internal application portal (Yoss). 

https://yossplatform.com/companylogin/Valdosta

Please send questions to Dr. Kinneer, SPED Director, at charity.kinneer@gocats.org