What are the responsibilities and job description for the Transition Coordinator position at Doctor Franklin Perkins School?
Transition Coordinator
Program: Doctor Franklin Perkins School—Lancaster, Massachusetts
Employment Status: Full Time Position Type: Permanent
Compensation: $76,000 - $83,000 per year Reports To: Upper School Director
Position Overview
At the Doctor Franklin Perkins School, part of the RFK Community Alliance, you’ll join a mission‑driven community dedicated to helping students become connected, capable, and healthy. The school provides exceptional academic, social, emotional, and behavioral supports within a strengths‑based, trauma‑responsive educational environment serving students from Grades K–12 and through age 21.
As the Transition Coordinator, you will design and lead comprehensive transition services that empower students ages 12–22 to build meaningful, successful adult lives. You’ll collaborate closely with educators, clinicians, families, and community partners to help students discover their strengths, develop independence, and gain real‑world experiences that prepare them for postsecondary education, employment, and community participation.
You’ll also be part of a school known for its spacious, light-filled campus, strong elective programs, state‑of‑the‑art therapeutic and academic spaces, and a deep commitment to family partnership and student success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Transition Planning and IEP Development
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized transition plans as part of the IEP starting in Grade 7.
Conduct age-appropriate transition assessments and use results to inform measurable postsecondary goals, transition services, and courses of study.
Ensure student participation in transition-focused IEP meetings and promote self-determination and self-advocacy skills.
Maintain accurate documentation to ensure compliance with IDEA, Massachusetts regulations, and Indicator 13 requirements.
Program Design and Instruction
Design and lead transition classes and individualized (1:1) transition sessions aligned to student needs, interests, and post-school visions.
Deliver or coordinate functional academic and transition-related coursework aligned with student credit requirements and adult outcome goals.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate transition skills, functional academics, and career readiness into core instruction.
Career Exploration, Employment, and Community Experiences
Coordinate career exploration activities using tools such as Pathful Explore, O*Net, interest inventories, and career assessments.
Develop and oversee school- and campus-based vocational opportunities by creating job roles aligned to student interests and supervising work shifts.
Establish and maintain community-based opportunities including internships, job shadowing, volunteer placements, and paid employment.
Build partnerships with local employers, postsecondary programs, vocational schools, and adult education providers.
Independent Living and Adult Readiness
Provide instruction and coordination of independent living skills including budgeting, cooking, hygiene, transportation, community access, and daily living routines.
Support students in developing professional portfolios, resumes, applications, and interview skills.
Caregiver and Interagency Collaboration
Serve as a liaison between students, caregivers, school staff, and adult service agencies including MassAbility, DDS, DMH, DCF, and MassHire
Support families in navigating adult service referrals, eligibility requirements, timelines, and documentation
Develop and sustain interagency collaborations to ensure continuity of services beyond school
Data Tracking and Program Oversight
Monitor student progress toward transition goals using data tracking tools
Maintain records for audits, compliance reviews, and program evaluation
Provide consultation and professional development to staff related to transition planning and best practices
Required Qualifications
Valid DESE licensure in Moderate Disabilities (5–12) or a master’s degree in Special Education or related field
Minimum of three years of experience supporting youth with disabilities, including social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Strong knowledge of IDEA, Massachusetts special education regulations, and secondary transition requirements
Experience writing and implementing IEP transition components, including postsecondary goals and services
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, families, school staff, and external agencies
Willingness to participate as a collaborative team member in all aspects of school and agency programming
Preferred Qualifications
Experience coordinating community-based instruction, vocational programs, or supported employment
Knowledge of Massachusetts adult service systems and Indicator 14 post-school outcome data collection
Massachusetts DESE licensure as a Transition Specialist or demonstrated specialized transition training
Experience in a 766-approved private special education or therapeutic setting
Management, supervision, and/or crisis intervention experience
Work Environment
The Transition Coordinator works across both school and community settings. You may travel locally to employment sites, colleges, businesses, and partner agencies. Success in this role requires flexibility, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to juggle multiple student-centered initiatives—supported by a deeply collaborative, mission‑driven team and a campus designed to inspire learning and growth. For more information, check out our school at https://www.rfkcommunity.org/our-services/doctor-franklin-perkins-school.
How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow Together
At RFK Community Alliance we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele, and within our community. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion, and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.
Why You’ll Love Us
In addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Generous paid time off
Holiday Pay
Educational Assistance
Employer-paid life insurance
Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability
Retirement Plan with generous employer match
Tuition Reimbursement
To apply for this position please click on → Transition Coordinator. RFKCA offers a compassionate, inclusive company culture and excellent work environment. RFKCA is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. EOE/AA
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000