Description

School to Work Vocational Specialist (Job Coach)

Pay Rate: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour

Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds, and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Abilities First is seeking a full time School to Work Vocational Specialist. This position works with students ages 14 – 21 receiving special education services, facilitating the transition from highly supported school environment to adult work life. Our School to Work Program provides mentoring and assistance, assessing each student’s strengths, areas of interest, and areas of need. Work-study opportunities are arranged as hands-on, unpaid work experiences, similar to “internships” in an area of interest the student determines.

Schedule: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4:15ppm and Friday 8am - 2pm (37hours per week)

Position Standards:

• Complete all assessment documentation for review by School to Work Services Coordinator, school personnel and parents
• Establish specific individual goals for each student based on interests, strengths, and demonstrated needs for support.
• Assume responsibility for training, supervision, and support to insure reaching individual goals for each student.
• Attend all relevant meetings both at IES and School
• Observe each students activity, behavior, and progress and report to Coordinator on a daily basis. Share information pre-actively with school personnel and parents as directed.
• Analyze all skills to be taught and/or observed and teach through recommended training techniques.
• Respond in a positive manner to requests for additional supports and/or training.
• Advocate for each students ongoing success in a positive, creative, and pro-active manner.
• Assume driving responsibilities when requested and transport students and/or adults as necessary.
• When between assignments or during other periods of time away for sites, perform the following as assigned: meet with school personnel to apprise them of student progress at annual reviews, issues, etc., lend support to other staff members of this department which may mean assisting at a job site.
• Assist, as directed, with student screening for program readiness, site development and coordination.
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures.
• Performs other appropriate job related activities as requested by the supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Supports the agency vision and mission.
• Consistently exhibit the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect towards others, strive for excellence, teamwork, and unity.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or related field a plus; alternate combination of education & experience considered.
• Experience with special education preferred with practical, working knowledge of the special education system.
• A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
• An ability to work flexible hours to include: days, evenings, nights, weekends or holidays as required by placement activity and assignments.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier