Vocational Activity Leader

Job Goal: To enhance student vocational experiences by identifying, developing, and maintaining on-campus and community job sites aligned with monthly curriculum and lesson plans. This role involves adhering to Daily Life Therapy principles across both Day and Residential Programs. 

Additionally, the position entails managing the Vacation Program by creating and leading daily vocational activities for each division under the supervision of Day Division Directors and the Director of Vacation Program, while implementing Daily Life Therapy methodology and guidelines. The overall aim is to provide comprehensive vocational support that seamlessly integrates with the established educational framework and organizational structure.

Hours:   Monday through Friday 1pm to 9pm during regular 217 day school session; Monday to Friday 8-4:15 during camp weeks (estimated 8 weeks total per year) 

Regular 217 day school session:  The Activity Leader is to report to the assigned Day program Division Director at 1pm to review the plan for the day and assist as a direct care of the students.  At 3pm, AL will make a transition to the residential program to meet with the Recreational Director and review the plan to teach students according to the residential schedule until 9pm. 

Vacation program:  8:00am-4:15pm. Attend both 8am and 3:45pm staff meetings.  During the scheduled vacation program, Activity Leader will plan and lead activities to all students under supervision by the Director of Vacation Program.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform all other duties as assigned by Day Division Directors, Residential Recreational Director and/or Director of Programming.

Daily Operations and Communication:

• Check in with the Division Director at 1pm and the Recreation Director at 3pm daily.
• Attend daily teacher meetings at the Residence and in-service meetings.
• Communicate effectively with Day and Residential Directors regarding absences, time off requests, and reminders.
• Respond promptly, respectfully, and discreetly to parent inquiries or phone calls, recording according to designated procedures.

Program Implementation and Development:

• Assist in developing and implementing Individualized Education Program objectives for employment education, integrating social and community goals within job sites, based on Daily Life Therapy principles.
• Collaborate with Employment Specialists to develop successful teaching strategies, curriculum, and program improvements in accordance with Daily Life Therapy methodology.
• Contribute to progress reports related to Employment Education as requested.
• Identify appropriate prerequisite skills for job placements in collaboration with staff.
• Coordinate, participate and lead students' activities, lessons, and job sites on and off-site, serving as a role model and motivator.
• Develop an organized, stimulating environment reflective of student participation.
• Lead activities during all Vacation Program days.

Safety and Student Well-being:

• Provide and implement a physically safe environment for all students in all situations.
• Participate in all student activities, including extensive physical exercise (e.g., lifting, standing, squatting, and jogging one to three miles daily).
• Adhere to school policies pertaining to all aspects of students' rights, student affairs, and personnel matters.

Professional Development and Conduct:

• Study and develop further knowledge of Daily Life Therapy philosophy and techniques, as well as recent developments in employment education opportunities for students with autism.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality with parents and others.
• Contribute as a team member and accept team decisions.
• Maintain open, honest, and tactful relationships with parents and other individuals involved with students.

Administrative Tasks:

• Order and supplement Vocational/Job related equipment as needed through written requests to the appropriate Division Directors.
• Comply with additional requirements for off-campus work sites, such as drug screening tests, medical requirements, and driving requirements, as specified in the attached addendum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in Education or related field.
• Experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorder (preferred)
• Must possess initiative and excellent communication skills. 
• Must be professional, and able to work in a fast-paced multicultural environment
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Highly flexible schedule including possible weekends and holiday shifts