Vocational Support Counselor

Vocational Support Counselor

The Vocational Support Counselor (VSC) provides direct support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) across vocational, educational, and community-based settings. The VSC assists students in building job readiness, interviewing, and professional social skills and provides on-site support and supervision at employment sites. This role helps facilitate vocational classroom activities, transports students to work-related appointments, monitors performance, and fosters independence. The VSC collaborates with vocational staff and interdisciplinary teams to ensure students are supported in their personal, academic, and professional growth.

Positions aligned with school-based or transitional programming follow a 219-day schedule (37.5 hours/week) that aligns with the academic calendar. Flexibility is also required for varied shifts, community-based travel, and vocational site coverage.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist vocational staff with classroom-based job readiness instruction and skill development activities.
• Support students in learning interview techniques, job application procedures, and workplace expectations.
• Provide on-site supervision and mentoring at job placements, volunteer sites, and vocational training settings.
• Model professional behavior and help students navigate workplace social expectations.
• Transport students to interviews, job tours, and community-based employment opportunities.
• Reinforce vocational goals and individualized work plans as directed by program staff.
• Implement behavior management strategies and provide proactive support in vocational and classroom environments.
• Observe and document student progress and behavior at work sites; report concerns to vocational leadership.
• Utilize approved Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT) techniques during crisis situations when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all student-related matters.
• Communicate observations and updates to vocational coordinators and team members in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, vocational planning sessions, and required trainings.
• Complete all documentation, including incident reports, vocational data, and attendance logs, accurately and promptly.
• Follow all directives from vocational leadership and support reassignments across educational or vocational programs as needed.
• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, coworkers, and external partners.
• Effective time management, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to coach and support students in vocational and professional settings.
• Proficiency in basic computer use for documentation and communication.

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and workplace accommodations.
• Familiarity with job readiness strategies and career development practices.
• Understanding of behavioral support principles and therapeutic crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of community-based employment settings and vocational program structures.

Abilities:

• Ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during behavioral challenges or crisis situations.
• Ability to transport students safely and maintain a valid driver's license and appropriate endorsements.
• Physical ability to provide supervision and behavioral support in diverse settings.

Education, experience, and other qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Successful completion of the School Paraprofessional Certification required upon hire.

• Two (2) or more years of experience working with youth in educational or vocational programs preferred.

• Strong behavior management skills and experience with ASD and behavioral disorders strongly preferred.

• Must complete and maintain agency-required certifications (e.g., PMT, CPR/First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, ATS. DDS Medication).

• Valid driver's license required; must qualify for an "A" endorsement per CT Department of Transportation standards.

• Positive attitude, sound judgment, and ability to work with diverse populations required.

Work environment and physical demands:

• Work is performed in classroom, job site, and community-based settings.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with behavioral interventions when required and support individuals with mobility needs.

• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or community-based activities with residents.

• Frequent travel between locations for student transportation and vocational assignments.

• May require standing, walking, or physical assistance for extended periods.

• Exposure to behaviors requiring de-escalation and intervention is possible.

A job description is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.