JOB DESCRIPTION Department: Department of Youth Services Education Initiative Title: Detention Transition Specialist- Title I FLSA Status: Exempt Supervisor: Associate Director of DYS Education and Transition Services Salary: Union Scale Purpose: The purpose of the Detention Transition Specialist position is to support the transition success of detained youth across the state and their accrual of school credits by shaping and supporting systems changes that benefit this population. Aiding in analyzing education records of detained youth upon receipt, facilitating the communication of course requirements to education staff, and preventing potential loss of credits upon returning to the community through timely and seamless record exchange. This position will serve in a project management and coordination role under the direction of the Associate Director in support of activities resulting in the effective transition of Title I eligible detained youth to the community. Essential Functions: Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Identify, facilitate, and implement the systemic changes needed to improve communication and transition success of detained youth in order to advance youth attainment of academic goals and progress.
Support the development and implementation of additional pathways to successful re-entry of detained youth Using a continuous quality improvement approach, identify appropriate metrics to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of transitional services within DYS Detention Programs, create processes to collect and record the required data, establish goals for improvement, and share the goals and metrics with all stakeholders. Collect and analyze data, using it to identify systemic obstacles to seamless transitions for detained youth Solicit input from stakeholders in the transition services process regarding how they believe the process should improve and what resources or changes they would need to affect those changes Using the data and feedback collected, synthesize suggestions for systemic improvements to the youth transition process for detained youth Use knowledge and skills to adapt or modify standard practices and respond to unique and unusual problems while maintaining compliance with applicable internal and external policy and regulations Practice and model Positive Youth Development and an asset-based approach at all times in working with youth, teachers, families, DYS stakeholders, and community members Provide timely information and/or participate in regional education transition teams as needed to facilitate CQI and seamless transition success for detained youth Support the effective participation of detained youth in graduation and/or similar celebrations of student achievement Understand and comply with protocols and agreements with community based agencies and/or LEAs that assist with successful re-entry of youth from detention
Provide a range of Transitional Services to Detained DYS Youth
available to support proper placement of detained youth into appropriate courses
Actively lead and/or collaborate on (as appropriate) the development of documentation and seamless exchange of school records that supports youth successful re-entry to the community and their LEA through a series of activities beginning at the point of detention through discharge to the community Ensure information regarding the specialized needs of youth, e.g. 504, in detention are effectively communicated to stakeholders surrounding the processes that support these youths and recommend systemic methods to assure these unique needs are met Support to the implementation of tutoring services for detained youth as directed Support education programming and transition activities that facilitate the accrual of K-12 school credits, continued progress towards a high school diploma, and/or HiSET achievement for detained youth
Consultation and Collaboration
Collaborate with CES and DYS administration, teachers, SEIS, clinicians and staff to create a supportive culture of education and career readiness for detained youth Partner with DYS regional leadership, district level management, clinical, medical, and educational personnel, as well as vendor agencies regarding the students transitional plan, including working with regional Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative coordinators to strengthen successful re-entry Maintain accurate documentation of records in JJEMS, Aspen, or otherwise indicated for detained youth in accordance with DYS procedures Attend meetings across the state as may be required Collaborate with Education and Career Counselors on such activities as credit audits, graduation grid development, transcript exchange Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for the Project Director and DYS Leadership summarizing key metrics, quality improvement initiatives, and progress toward goals
Management and Accountability
Ensure fidelity of systems for the accrual of K-12 school credits Follow established intake procedures and timelines as established by DYS and/or CES for the request of school records, communicate with LEAs as necessary, input of data and records to Aspen and JJEMS, and for returning students to the public school Timely review and synthesis of educational records to detention units in order to inform educational needs Assess DYS-generated transcripts for content clarity and accuracy in order to ensure students accrue credits required for grade promotion and secondary school graduation Conduct periodic reviews of student progress and related assessments and identify areas for improvement Conduct ongoing programming quality assurance activities such as updating data entered in Aspen and JJEMS, transcript quality analysis, and other data collection efforts as determined by supervisor Create and/or update and improve documentation of written procedures and policies relevant to the detention transition process. Establish and maintain updated files, computerized records, and all related data as determined by CES supervisor Carry out roles relative to administration of statewide tests, e.g. identifying youth eligible for MCAS, as determined by supervisor Analyze data and modify programs and services as needed to improve student outcomes
Professional Expectations
In conjunction with supervisor, develop and maintain personal professional development plan Maintain effective/positive relationships with CES, DYS, Provider Agencies, and all other colleagues and supervisors Willing and able to drive to designated locations Attend all identified meetings in coordination with supervisor Cultivate strong relationships with partners and other stakeholders Strive to apply research-based practices in professional practice Demonstrate caring, culturally and linguistically competent and positive attitude with youth and their families Maintain data regarding students and time management as directed by supervisor Comply with all policies and procedures of host agency
Additional Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications:
BA in Education, School Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, or related fields Demonstrated experience in education, legal/advocacy, and/or a human service field Strong verbal and written communications skills Detail oriented, well-organized, and proficiency in independently navigating and effectively using databases and other computer based systems Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are required
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional license in education, education administration, social work, or related field Master's Degree in Education, School Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, or related fields Bilingual (spanish/english)
Physical Demands:
Ability to multi-task and respond to demanding job duties with a positive mindset Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer including the ability to read text on the screen, to enter information, and to manipulate the keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time Considerable driving, walking, and standing require that the candidate be in good physical condition
Work Conditions:
Work Schedules and locations are subject to frequent change and will be determined by the supervisor. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required Work is subject to frequent interruption and redirection Effective communication and collaboration Skilled in working independently and collaboratively with many stakeholders Occasional travel to and work within locked youth detention programs is required. These may include high-security settings in which youth are subject to search and physical restraint as necessary There is some risk of exposure to communicable diseases Employees expected to follow CES Workplace Safety Standards and DYS Workplace Safety Standards and required COVID-19 prevention and mitigation protocols. Expectations require wearing a mask, using gloves when cleaning, attention to social distancing guidelines, and complying with hygiene standards.
Terms of Employment:
This is a full-year (12-month) position, scheduled for 40 hours per week Full benefits package as outlined in the CES Personnel Policy CES Detention Transition Specialist is part of a bargaining unit represented by SEIU 509. Position is eligible for employer subsidized health, dental, life and LTD insurances, as well as other benefits described in the CES employee handbook.
CES is an equal opportunity employer and is particularly interested in candidates from a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. We are especially interested in candidates whose backgrounds are well-suited to understanding and addressing the needs of the diverse student population we serve. |
Collaborative for Educational Services
Mar 31, 2025