Program Vocational Assistant

LIGHTHOUSE VISION LOSS EDUCATION CENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM VOCATIONAL ASSISTANT

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

UPDATED: November 2024

SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

JOB SUMMARY

In coordination with the Vocational Transition Specialist, the Program Vocational Assistant is responsible for assisting, coordinating, developing, implementing, and monitoring the delivery of services for the Transition Program along with providing direct client instruction with a reduced caseload. 

Essential Functions

• Interact comfortably with diverse populations and professionally represent the organization.
• Manage projects from start to finish, whether individually or collectively.
• Build relationships that improve the experience for the teens while improving the quality of our programs, services, and facilities.
• Provide transportation to clients to and from events.
• Establish meaningful relationships with teens, parents/ guardians while conducting outreach.
• Assist with clerical work related to class – make copies, send emails, make telephone calls, complete casenotes.
• Assist in developing and implementing individual transition plans for teens, focusing on their specific goals related to employment or college readiness. Assist in any 1:1 individual sessions.
• Assist in Coordinating and organizing skill-building workshops and training sessions that prepare teens for the workforce or higher education.
• Help plan and execute monthly virtual and in-person activities, including guest speaker events and networking opportunities.
• Support the transportation of teens to various events, ensuring they have access to all program activities.
• Maintain accurate records of participant progress and attendance in the Lighthouse database, including service records and feedback.
• Assisting with ICFA's when needed.
• Assist in creating and distributing promotional materials to raise awareness of the transition program and its offerings.
• Facilitate communication between participants, families, and service providers to ensure a holistic support system for the teens.
• Conduct outreach to local businesses and educational institutions to establish partnerships for internships and job placements.
• Create curriculum and support in weekly events virtually and in-person. 
• Maintain communication with Lighthouse Staff and clients on a regular basis.
• Work closely specifically with the Vocational Rehab Career Specialist.
• Assist Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, Rehab Manager and/or Vocational Transition Specialist in classes or events.
• Transport students to work experience sites.
• Shadow students in their work experience to provide job coaching.
• Assist clients with interviews, job applications and on-site job orientation.
• Assist with community outreach to potential employers along with establishing guest speakers for group classes.
• Host/co-host classes for Transition students in person and virtual as needed. 
• Help organize and store materials and straighten classroom.
• Attend meetings and trainings as needed.

Other Functions:

• Support Lighthouse’s fund-raising activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor Degree in Education 
• Master’s Preferred in visual disability or a related field.
• At least two years’ experience in instruction of the visually impaired and/ordisabled children preferred.

Experience

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of clients and staff in a professional manner.
• 2 years experience working with young adults ages ranging from 14-22.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer and internet skills and working knowledge of Google (preferred) and/or Microsoft Office applications.
• Initiative and ability to gather information and solve problems with limited supervision.
• Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to be flexible with the scheduling needs of young adults and their parents’ work schedules.

• Flexible schedule (weekends, evenings and summer).
• Access to reliable transportation enabling regular, predictable, on-time attendance.
• If an employee drives a car for Lighthouse business, must have a valid Florida driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance are required.
• Pass background check.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for sustained periods of time assisting clients. 
• Ability to travel locally.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Provide transportation to teens/young adults as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor Degree in Education 
• Master’s Preferred in visual disability or a related field.
• At least two years’ experience in instruction of the visually impaired and/or disabled children preferred.