Position Title: Transitions Specialist

Reports To: Director of Adult Community Education / Aspire Coordinator
Employment Status: Full-Time (as determined by program needs)
Location: Adult Education / Aspire Program Sites

Position Summary

This is a grant-funded position supported through the Ohio Aspire Adult Education and Literacy Grant. Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding program needs and satisfactory performance.

Aspire of Stark County serves adult learners throughout Stark County with instructional sites in Canton Alliance and Massillon. The program provides college and career preparation concurrent enrollment opportunities workforce literacy English Language Acquisition and high school equivalency preparation through both in-person and virtual instruction during day and evening hours. The Transitions Specialist supports Aspire participants by delivering instruction advising and transition services that promote academic success re-entry workforce readiness and postsecondary advancement.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Perform all duties in alignment with Ohio Aspire Adult Education and Literacy Grant goals policies and monitoring requirements.
• Support achievement of Ohio Aspire primary indicators of performance including Educational Functioning Level (EFL) gains High School Equivalency (HSE) attainment Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) and transitions to postsecondary education training or unsubsidized employment.
• Administer and document required intake orientation assessment and placement activities in compliance with Ohio Aspire assessment and data integrity standards.
• Create adult individual learning plans and transition plans aligned with participant goals and Aspire performance outcomes.
• Provide instruction and instructional support in math reading writing social studies and science for GED preparation or skill refreshment as assigned with an emphasis on literacy instruction in reading and writing when applicable.
• Monitor participant attendance academic progress behavior and engagement; implement early intervention strategies for participants at risk of non-persistence.
• Conduct proactive advising meetings to review progress toward program completion transition goals and compliance expectations.
• Assist participants with transitions from Aspire/GED programs into postsecondary education training or employment including referral coordination and required follow-up documentation.
• Deliver or coordinate career navigation and workforce readiness activities including soft skills development employability skills resume development job search strategies and interview preparation.
• Work with the Canton City Courts Day Reporting Program Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to support justice-involved participants with re-entry planning accountability workforce readiness and connection to education and employment pathways.
• Maintain accurate current and confidential participant records and required program data in accordance with Ohio Aspire data collection documentation and reporting requirements.
• Collect document and report required follow-up outcomes including employment postsecondary enrollment credential attainment and retention consistent with Ohio Aspire performance accountability timelines.
• Coordinate referrals to internal and external support services and community partners to reduce barriers to participation and completion.
• Maintain knowledge of Ohio Aspire policies procedures and guidance to ensure accurate information is provided to participants.
• Participate in Aspire-required professional development meetings monitoring activities and continuous improvement efforts including a minimum of two professional development activities annually.
• Promote the program and recruit participants through outreach networking and collaboration with schools courts employers and community agencies.
• Maintain professional conduct confidentiality and ethical standards in accordance with licensure codes and district policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent Director or designee.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree required.
• For instructional responsibilities: Valid Ohio teachers license or ability to obtain an adult education permit (assistance available) as required by Aspire.
• For navigation/transition responsibilities: Bachelors Degree in Education Counseling Social Work Human Services or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in adult education instruction student advising case management workforce development or transition services preferred.
• Previous experience with adult learners in an Aspire/ABLE program strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in office protocol and instructional technology including Google Workspace and distance education platforms.
• Ability to provide instruction in classroom small-group individual and online settings.
• Ability to supervise and provide direction to aides and/or volunteers as assigned.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings and assigned court-based hours.
• Knowledge of Ohio Aspire performance measures assessment practices and data accountability preferred.
• Successful completion of BCI/FBI background check mandated health screenings and all district employment requirements.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmental education student success strategies diverse learning styles and evidence-based practices for supporting at-risk adult learners.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Organizational problem-solving and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with office equipment and technology appropriate to the assignment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.

Working Conditions

• Instruction may be delivered in person remotely or in a hybrid format depending on program needs.
• Evening instructional hours (e.g. MondayThursday evening classes) and preparation time may be required in addition to assigned day reporting hours.
• Frequent sitting standing walking and use of hands and arms; occasional bending kneeling or climbing.
• Occasional travel including evenings or weekends.
• Regular interaction with students including occasional challenging behaviors.
• Operation of a vehicle in varying weather conditions as required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hours determined by program need; may include evening instructional hours (e.g. MondayThursday) in addition to assigned daytime responsibilities.
• Eligibility for State Teachers Retirement System and Workers Compensation.
• Additional benefits may be available based on employment status hours worked and Board of Education policies.
• Compensation based on education and experience aligned with the Adult Education/Instructional Salary Schedule.
• $23 per hour (average 34 hours per week).

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be revised as program needs change. The Transitions Specialist is expected to perform all duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Required Experience:

IC