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Transition Coach - Empower U

Kent Intermediate School District

Grand Rapids, MI

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Career Counseling, Career Development, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Documentation, Embedded Systems, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Genetics, Human Resources, Instructional Design, Interpret Regulations, Leadership, Lesson Plans, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Program Evaluation, Special Education, Staff Requirements, Team Player, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, MI
POSTED
4 days ago
Transition Coach - Empower U

Reports to: Supervisor of Specially Designed Instruction
Terms of Employment: 200 Days
Professional Contract - Grade 7 - $76,928

Positions Supervised: None

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

This role provides instructional leadership and coaching to strengthen transition services within Empower U. The Transition Coach supports implementation of the Empower U Continuum, strengthens specially designed instruction, and ensures meaningful, compliant transition planning practices across pathways.

The coach partners closely with the Specially Designed Instruction Team and Director of Transition Services to align curriculum, IEP development, compliance expectations, and strategic district priorities. This role focuses on adult capacity building, instructional design, and continuous program improvement.

This position does not provide direct services to students or families.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Valid Michigan professional certification in an area related to Special Education required.
  2. Master's degree in Special Education or related field preferred.
  3. Experience supporting transition programming, adult outcome-focused instruction, or career pathway development preferred.
  4. Minimum three years of successful experience in special education.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership & Program Implementation
  1. Supports implementation and ongoing refinement of the Empower U Continuum.
  2. Coaches cohort teams within pathways to strengthen instructional alignment and pathway fidelity.
  3. Supports implementation and ongoing refinement of Empower U curriculum, assessment systems, and lesson planning processes.
  4. Provides coaching to strengthen engagement, instructional design, and high-quality specially designed instruction.
  5. Supports development and facilitation of Learning Labs to model effective transition instruction.
  6. Supports LRE review and pathway alignment based on student growth and program data.
  7. Aligns program practices with the High Quality Programming Guide.
IEP Development & Compliance
  1. Provides coaching to support meaningful and compliant IEP development aligned to transition standards and adult outcomes.
  2. Supports proactive monitoring and alignment of transition documentation and services.
  3. Collaborates with transition leadership networks including DTLN, Kent TAN, and KIAC to ensure system alignment.
Professional Development
  1. Designs and facilitates professional development sessions (ER and full-day formats) aligned to Empower U goals and identified staff needs.
  2. Builds adult capacity through job-embedded coaching, modeling, feedback, and collaborative problem solving.
Continuous Improvement
  1. Supports data collection, analysis, and program evaluation to strengthen instructional systems.
  2. Contributes to the refinement and innovation of transition programming within Empower U.
  3. Analyzes and interprets special education laws, rules, and best practices related to transition services.
  4. Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Specially Designed Instruction
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
  1. Understanding of transition planning.
  2. Demonstrated experience designing and refining high-quality, differentiated instruction for students with complex learning needs.
  3. Strong instructional coaching and facilitation skills, including the ability to support adult learners through modeling, observation, feedback, and professional development.
  4. Ability to analyze student-level and program-level data to strengthen instructional practices and drive continuous improvement.
  5. Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
  6. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and eliminating barriers to access in postsecondary transition programming.
  7. Proficient in using digital tools for data collection, instructional design, and coaching communication.
  8. Ability to travel between program sites as needed.
  9. Must pass a criminal background check as required by School Safety Legislation.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The final candidate for this position will be required (at their cost) to furnish Kent ISD with a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check prior to hire recommendation.

Benefits: Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid sick and personal days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; Kent ISD is a participating employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF/ SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the School Board may be considered. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The final candidate for this position will be required (at their cost) to furnish Kent Intermediate School District with a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check prior to our recommendation to hire.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The Coordinator for Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act and Title II is: Dave Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

About the Company

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Kent Intermediate School District