Specialized Support Paraprofessional/Community/Job Coach

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnerships with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole. 

Position: Specialized Support Paraprofessional: Community Coach supporting students in accessing the community and working at program sites around Arlington and surrounding communities

Job Goal: 

Community Coaches help students to identify their work and leisure interests; offer guidance in the selection of community settings and activities (e.g. vocational and/or other community sites, such as banks, laundromats, etc.); and conduct situational assessments and evaluation of skills and supports needed.  Community Coaches work as part of a team to provide supports that assist students with disabilities in developing and maintaining job and independent living skills, and to evaluate performance capabilities of students in real work/life settings.  

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 2 years college experience (preferably in a related field)
• Related field experience working with students with disabilities 
• Sensitivity to student needs, concerns, and individual issues, as well as flexibility, patience and high professional integrity 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations of students 
• Energetic, self-starter who can complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Community Coaches work with the local community to:
• Identify resources and access services that will assist students in reaching their employment, independent living, and other community goals.  
• Identify and cultivate natural supports within educational and employment, and other community environments.
• Assist employers with workplace modifications and/or accommodations. 
• Community Coaches work with students to:
• Create individualized schedules based on their areas of interest, skill development and support needs.
• Foster student independence
• Develop and follow their daily community schedules.
• Help students with time management and executive functioning skills;
• Transport students to community settings.
• Assess students’ employment interests and preferences, provide initial career planning, and provide on-the-job coaching to support students in achieving their career goals.
• Support students with their social and/or behavioral goals.
• Facilitate access to and utilization of community resources (e.g. public transportation, banks, libraries, career centers, laundromats, etc.). 
• Assess student satisfaction through formal assessments and informal feedback.
• Meet with students on an on-going basis to ensure transition goals are being met.
• Community Coaches work with the Arlington Special Education Department to:
• Implement, evaluate and improve transition services.
• Communicate regularly with 
• Communicate with parents regarding logistics of community-based instruction and services, as well as progress toward transition goals.
• Identify effective strategies to increase community independence for each student.
• Collect data and maintain records as required by APS, DESE and adult agencies.
• Work as a member of a team, with the ability to communicate with work supervisors and staff.
• Send weekly email updates to supervisors regarding student progress.

REPORTS TO:  Special Education Coordinator as well as the supervisor at the community work partner sites.  Will coordinate regularly with Transition Coordinator.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 183 Days, 7 hours per day. Specific start and end time may vary depending on when students’ work hours are scheduled. 

SALARY/BENEFITS: In accordance with Arlington Education Association, Unit D contract, Specialized Support Paraprofessional Salary Grid. Eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance. 

Salary : $27 - $29