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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

+ Provides overall direction and management of day-to-day transition-related operations and services for MSA students, including those integrated into classrooms and related services, internships and employment opportunities with external entities and MSA’s STAR Program, ensuring consistency in application of policies, practices and procedures and creating a structure of consistent and transparent communication with the staff, which supports diversity and inclusion.

+ Promotes YAI and MSA missions and goals by providing leadership and guidance to staff and ensuring student well-being through safe, appropriate and compliant transition supports and services for students by appropriately trained, certified, licensed and/or otherwise qualified staff in line with agency philosophy, department practices and Federal, State, Local and regulatory requirements.

+ Regularly collaborates with Senior Director and other applicable MSA directors and staff to plan, develop and implement operating procedures and systems to address new or changing needs, regulatory or other requirements, develop annual transition goals and ensure quality services that conform to best practices, engaging students in functional academics and facilitating the development of life skills essential for community integration through appropriate classroom, family and other supports.

+ Directly supervises transition staff by managing performance, providing regular feedback and mentorship, monitoring time and attendance and providing orientation and training, as needed.

+ Plays an active role in the recruitment and retention of diverse, highly qualified staff; manages, nurtures and develops talent to ensure effective utilization of resources and continually assesses and makes recommendations regarding future staffing and workforce development needs.

+ Initiates, reviews and approves staff status, work hour, promotions/demotions, transfers and/or other adjustments, ensuring changes are appropriately submitted in Workday in a timely manner.

+ Oversees the MSA STAR Program and directs activities of classrooms for students ages 18 – 21 participating in a transition-focused educational program, which provides the skills needed to transition into adulthood and meet their post-program completion goals, regularly collaborating with Director of Education on curriculum development and enhancements to position students for success in adult life.

+ Creates and implements transition-related activities and programs for students ages 12 – 21 centered around Person Centered Approaches in School Transitions (PCAST) and in accordance with all applicable NYSED regulations including incorporation of education on healthy relationships, sexuality, puberty, vocational skills and job readiness and internships or educational opportunities within and outside of MSA.

+ Develops professional, empathetic relationships with families, case workers and providers to determine students’ readiness goals, implementing programming and supports that align with these goals and assists with coordination of eligibility for life-long support services for students by connecting with applicable provider agencies, facilitating necessary evaluations and supporting families through the eligibility processes in collaboration with MSA social workers and external support agencies.

+ Regularly evaluates and monitors transition-related operational needs, identifying unmet needs, trends, inefficiencies and opportunities and collaborates with applicable directors to propose specific recommendations and/or escalates to Senior Director to develop solutions and implement revisions to correct issues or deficiencies.

+ Develops, manages and tracks transition services and MSA STAR Program budgets, evaluating services and needs to ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines, implementing and allocating resources following budget approval and approving related expenditures.

+ Establishes all policies and procedures for transition services in collaboration with MSA leadership to ensure appropriate supports and compliance with all transition requirements for students ages 12 – 21, including safety and supervision at off-site locations or during travel to internship and employment sites.

+ Monitors the completion, maintenance and timely submission of all documentation by transition and MSA STAR program staff, ensuring appropriate updates and notes are completed in accordance with applicable requirements.

+ Participates in the review and selection of new admissions to MSA STAR Program, using available information to assess individual aptitudes, interests and transition goals and collaborating with Director of Admissions and Senior Director to select students whose involvement in the program will most significantly impact their ability to reach their full potential.

+ Identifies and engages with community and adult service agencies and prospective employers, building relationships and establishing and coordinating opportunities for in-person visits to programs, internships and employment, which connect students with the community and inform potential placements.

+ Coordinates transition-related meetings and evaluations and attends other student-related and MSA leadership meetings to inform planning, placements and ensure transition-related supports are in place for students and families.

+ Reports concerns with physical facilities to Director of Operations and Facilities to ensure safe, secure and operational order; collaborates with Senior Director and MSA facilities team as needed to support coordination and implementation of facility-related initiatives.

+ Plans and facilitates special events and activities related to transition services, supports and resources including school and parent trainings and assists with planning and administration of schoolwide events, activities and/or fundraisers in collaboration with MSA leadership.

+ Stays abreast of applicable Federal, State, Local, regulatory and agency regulations, maintaining awareness of changes and remains current with trends in the I/DD and special education fields, specifically PCAST and other transition-related areas; participates in agency, education-related or other committees, conferences, events and/or seminars and networks with other school transition staff.

+ Complies with and ensures that staff complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ensures cooperation with appropriate entities in any inspection, inquiry or investigation.

+ Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

+ Current and valid license and registration as a Clinical Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or Behavior Analyst or current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (grades 7-12 or All Grades) issued by the New York State Education Department; and

+ Five (5) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) including at least three (3) years supporting neurodivergent students ages 12 – 21 or adults with acquiring ADLs, job readiness, transition and independent living skills; and

+ At least three (3) years of experience as a supervisor in a special education school or adult residential services setting; and

+ Solid knowledge of transition requirements for students with special needs, including how disabilities impact an individual’s ability to function in the post-secondary setting, Person-Centered Planning in School Transitions (PCAST) and adult service providers and services; or

+ Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training. However, all incumbents must hold a current, valid license and registration and at least three (3) years of experience supporting individuals ages 12 or older, as described above.

+ Extensive knowledge of applicable Federal, State, Local and oversight agency regulations, including New York State Education Department (NYSED) and NYC Department of Education (DOE).

+ Extensive knowledge of the needs of adolescent neurodivergent students, including methodologies and philosophies that best support this population with acquiring skills needed in adult life.

+ Familiarity with available support services and programs for individuals with I/DD through NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

+ Proficiency with computers and using electronic systems including email, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce and/or Workday to complete tasks.

+ Excellent communication skills (e.g., speaking, writing, presenting).

+ Exceptional interpersonal, supervisory and leadership skills, including the ability to effectively manage, coach and support teams through hands-on support and to build effective working relationships with families and individuals at varying levels, both internal and external.

+ Strong planning, organizational and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate roadblocks and think strategically.

+ Ability to collaborate, negotiate and build consensus and to effect transformational change.

+ Financial and business acumen including familiarity with budgets, staffing patterns, operating expenses, etc.

+ Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing pulling and reaching with hands and arms; using hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; and bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing as needed, having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per student’s Behavior Support Plan if needed including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff or running and/or lifting if needed.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

+ Previous experience in a direct support capacity for adults with I/DD in residential and/or employment setting

+ Formal training in Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and/or Puberty for persons with I/DD

Compensation & Benefits:

+ $90,000 annually to $100,000 annually

+ Tuition reimbursement

+ Medical and dental insurance (with options for family and more extensive medical plans, as well as vision)

+ Paid Time Off and School Holidays

+ 403(b) retirement with employer match

+ Life insurance and long-term disability

+ Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.