Vocational Specialist

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.

Springbrook is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Springbrook to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, age, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, traits historically associated with race and/or any other status or characteristic protected by law.