VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR

Position Summary:

The Vocational Coordinator is responsible for assisting in the successful implementation of the job readiness portion of OPTIONS Transitions to Independence. This position will need to present a positive impression of OPTIONS and the students to the larger community. Maintaining internship and gainful employment sites, as well as incorporating new vocational sites, is a significant component of the overall success of the program. This position is also responsible for teaching vocational classes and is vital to the coordinator role.

• On-going development and implementation of Job Readiness Courses, including Employment Strategies, Career Explorations, Job Social Skills, and Vocational Support.
  • Instruct the classes during the assigned times.
  • Assign grades and write progress reports as required.
  • Assess student learning and adapt/adopt the teaching modalities to meet student needs.
  • Continuously assess Program needs and demonstrate flexibility to design and implement curricula for course offerings that are available from semester to semester.
• Assist students in career explorations through various modalities of interest inventories, aptitude inventories, and self-identified and expressed vocational interests.
• Obtain information about students' employment history, educational background, career goals, and potential barriers to employment.

• Collaborate with Speech and Language services to identify and implement strategies in the workplace to support social language development and maintenance.

• Assist in coordinating and implementing the Internship Program.
  • Prepare needed paperwork and forms as needed.
  • Identify and communicate students' interests, skills, and abilities to evaluate appropriate placements at internship sites.
  • Identify potential accommodations/strategies for students needed to ensure optimal success in the work environment.
  • Assist students with applications, paperwork, and interviewing for internships.
  • Assist in monitoring students' progress and performance while at internship through written and verbal feedback from the site, as well as direct observations at the site.
  • Assist student and site supervisor with any problem-solving/conflict resolution.
• Actively seek contacts for the Internship Program as well as paid opportunities.
  • Demonstrate the ability to speak on the behalf of OPTIONS and Brehm Inc.
• Provide comprehensive written reports to families and students regarding internship experience and related classes, along with recommendations for future employment/career goals.
• Actively pursue professional development through professional review, conferences, workshops, educational courses, reading, formal and informal assessment of instruction, professional goals, and effectiveness of interaction with students, families, and colleagues.
• Implement the Personal Development Record (PDR) system as designed, and/or assign consequences to students for behaviors.
• Develop, measure, and monitor Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals and objectives and act as an academic advisor.

Advisement Duties:

• Maintain accurate and complete Individual Program Plans and student records

• Communication with families on a regular, timely basis
• Assist in facilitating communications across and within the OPTIONS and Brehm communities
• Communicate and coordinate with the Director of Student Services for the social/emotional needs of students
• Attend and participate in two Parent Conference Weekend obligations
• Read and respond to email communications in a timely manner
• Complete an accurate time card on a weekly basis and submit time off requests in advance
• Participation in team meetings on a weekly basis. Meetings will consist of
  • Progress, performance, and planning for identified students
  • Identification of student, staff, or program needs

Essential Job Requirements:

Required Skills:

• Passion for the OPTIONS Mission, a strong work ethic, flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Knowledge of policies, protocols, systems, and procedures established to enhance student programming
• Ability to engage in interactive problem-solving and decision-making

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Skillful negotiation and mediation skills in dealing with students, families, and internship supervisors
• Ability to apply teaching techniques and strategies to solicit desired student responses or behavior
• Knowledge and application of behavioral and discipline management
• Ability to model and engage in appropriate social skills
• Basic computer skills: word processing, Internet usage, Google Suite
• Ability to generate thorough, concise written documents about student progress and/or program needs or development

Education:

• Master's degree in social services field, Rehabilitation Counseling preferred
• Certification or licensure to align with education- CRC preferred
• Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois (may obtain upon employment)

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience working with young adults with disabilities
• Classroom experience and working knowledge of learning disabilities, learning styles, and strategies

Travel:

• Local area for on-site visits
• Valid Driver's License

Working Conditions:

• Classroom Setting
• Full-time, year-round
• Monday - Friday, daytime hours that may vary with the needs of the Program
• Occasional weekends (planned in advance)

Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to pass a driving background check

Benefits:

• Dental/Vision/Health/Life Insurance/Aflac
• Retirement Account [403)b)] with employer matching
• Standard Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Department:

• OPTIONS Transitions to Independence

Employment Status:

• Full-Time, Year-Round
• Salary
• Benefits eligible

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically present in this description.

www.brehm.aaimtrack.com

www.experienceoptions.org

www.brehm.org