At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.
Aspire Living & Learning is currently seeking a Transition Specialist who provides individualized and small-group instruction to help young adults with disabilities build skills for employment, independent living, and community participation. The Specialist also mentors Job Coaches and DSPs by modeling effective instructional strategies and person-centered practices while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to promote independence, self-determination, and progress toward individual goals.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Location: Guilford, CT
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Education, Occupational Therapy, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with adolescents or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related disabilities.
- Strong understanding of person-centered planning and community-based instruction.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work independently in both classroom and community settings.
- Must have satisfactory background checks.
Preferred
- Experience in transition services, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, or adult services.
- Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and executive functioning interventions.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff.
- Familiarity with AAC systems and assistive technology.
- CPR/First Aid certification and PMT, CPI, or similar behavioral support training (or willingness to obtain).
Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
- Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
- Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
- Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
- Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!
If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.
Pay: $45,000-55,000
Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Education, Occupational Therapy, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
- Experience working with adolescents or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related disabilities
- Strong understanding of person-centered planning and community-based instruction
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
- Ability to work independently in classroom and community settings
- Satisfactory background checks
- Experience in transition services, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, or adult services
- Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and executive functioning interventions
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff
- Familiarity with AAC systems and assistive technology
- CPR/First Aid certification and PMT, CPI, or similar behavioral support training, or willingness to obtain
What We Do
Aspire Living & Learning is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization, serving individuals in five states. We provide treatment and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to live more fully and more independently in their communities. Our organization arose out of the belief that everyone within our communities can add value and enrich the lives of all who live there, and that through high-quality, research-tested methods, we can enhance the life experiences of all individuals – both people with intellectual challenges as well as their families, friends, and neighbors.
