Vocational Specialist EDU-School Age

Position Summary:

Pay range: $18-$20 per hour based on experience and education 

The Vocational Specialist at The School at Springbrook provides students with opportunities to pursue their interests and develop pre-vocational and vocational skills through on-campus as well as community-based work experiences.  The Vocational Specialist provides on-the-job skills training primarily to students enrolled in the school’s 8:1:2 ratio classrooms. The Vocational Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and progress tracking of each participating student’s vocational/transition goals, as they are listed on the IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides instructional support and behavioral assistance to students diagnosed with developmental disabilities including but not limited to autism.
• Performs a variety of support activities related to behavior management, classroom instruction, and classroom management; implement service and behavioral support plans.
• Under the teacher’s direction, supports and/or facilitates individual or small group lessons using prepared materials and/or vocationally-based resources.
• Supervises students throughout the day, across all environments; supports educational/vocational team with positive communication strategies.
• Manages work-study stipend accounts, weekly or bi-weekly stipend distribution, and keeps up to date ledgers for both student and vocational program accounts.
• Maintains written program updates and progress notes; reports progress by phone, e-mail or in person.
• Facilitates community/vocationally based checklists to students within the 8:1+2 classrooms, utilizes appropriate assessment tools, i.e. Level One’s, work-study/work-based learning task analysis, etc.
• Provide individual supervision and support for students receiving services.
• Collaborates with special education teachers in the development and implementation of students’ individual vocational IEP goals and objectives.
• Supports academic activities essential to employment within the vocational classrooms including reading and math skills, communication and social skills, following directions, completing job applications, etc.
• Attends program reviews on a quarterly basis and annual reviews (CSE meetings) for individuals enrolled in the vocational program. Attend all other meetings, as required.
• Acts as a liaison between student employers, students, teachers and support staff and families/house mangers/care providers.
• Provides job coaching services and supports for a designated caseload. This may include on-site and vocational-skills assessments, support to improve work-based behavior and work-related social skills, vocational skills training, mobility training, work area adaptation, co-worker support, etc.
• Informs students’ educational team members of concerns with students’ work-based learning/work studies, progress, and behavior.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or school leadership team.

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree preferred with at least one year of experience with vocational programming and/or working with the developmentally disabled OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of NYSED policies and procedures preferred. 
• Duties require strong professional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software and e-mail applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word; with the aptitude to learn additional computer software as necessary.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required. 
• Be able to perform all physical interventions.