What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Transition Coordinator position at American School for the Deaf?
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR
TRANSITION COORDINATOR
CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED
REV: 05/18/2026
POST: 05/18/2026
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.
ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Transition Coordinator
Department: Transition – PACES and Core
Supervisor: Assistant Executive Director/Assistant Superintendent
Schedule: 11 Months (Benefits Eligible)
Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining (non-union)
SCOPE OF DUTIES:
The Transition Coordinator serves as the lead resource for all transition-related services, ensuring compliance with current laws and best practices. This role supports students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as well as students with additional special needs, in preparing for post-secondary success. The Coordinator works closely with families, educators, clinical staff, and state agencies to facilitate effective transition planning, programming, and outcomes.
PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES:
Transition Program Management
- Oversee and coordinate all student transition programming across PACES and Core.
- Develop and maintain student work-based learning opportunities, including:
- Bridge Academy (academic year and summer)
- PACES Summer Work Program
- Establish and maintain partnerships with businesses to secure on and off-campus work placements.
- Ensure clear communication and agreements with partner businesses, including scheduling, expectations, and contact information.
- Monitor and adjust student placements based on progress and performance.
- Supervise Job Coaches and related staff supporting student work experiences.
- Develop opportunities for students to explore college-level learning, including college courses, campus experiences, dual-enrollment options, and opportunities to earn college credit as appropriate.
Student Assessment & Data Management
- Maintain digital transition portfolios for students in Bridge Academy and related programs.
- Develop and implement rubrics to assess soft and hard workplace skills.
- Track and analyze student progress in work readiness and transition skills. Provide and manage appropriate transition assessments and maintain a centralized database of results.
- Collaborate with teachers to align student preferences, strengths, and abilities with appropriate work experiences.
State Agency & Community Collaboration
- Ensure all eligible students are connected with appropriate state agencies prior to exiting ASD, including out-of-state coordination when applicable.
- Build and maintain relationships with vocational rehabilitation counselors, LEAs, and adult service providers.
- Coordinate and facilitate on-campus meetings (minimum three annually) with students and agency representatives.
- Support families in understanding available services and navigating application processes.
- Collaborate with ASD Admission officers to gather and submit required documentation.
- Provide annual presentations for staff and families on transition services and adult agency supports.
Transition Planning & IEP Support
- Support teachers in developing transition goals, objectives, and IEP transition sections.
- Draft IEP transition components as needed in collaboration with teachers and support staff.
- Provide staff with training and resources on effective transition planning and compliance.
- Attend PPT meetings as needed.
- Maintain and update transition curriculum and instructional resources, including the 360 Academy Curriculum.
Program Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate with the clinical team on transition planning, post-graduation planning, and aftercare in alignment with DCF standards.
- Report monthly to the Academic Hub on transition updates, needs, and relevant events.
- Coordinate opportunities such as college fairs, job fairs, and informational workshops for students and families.
- Assist in coordinating student-related financial literacy opportunities (e.g., banking connections) with the ASD Business Office.
Minimum Requirements
- Valid teaching certification (092 certification preferred).
- Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Knowledge of state and federal transition mandates.
- Experience in transition programming, preferably with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Compensation range is based on experience and available upon request.
Outstanding benefits package including Retirement with school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits.
New Hires: $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service.
ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation for applying to this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.