Vocational Assistant

Willowbrook High School

Vocational Assistant

Available: Immediately

Title: VOCATIONAL ASSISTANT

Reports To: Vocational Coordinator

Duration: 10 Months

Purpose Statement

The job of Vocational Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for developing work experience opportunities for special education students by maintaining liaisons with community businesses and organizations; recruiting presenters; developing pre-employment skills; providing information and/or direction to students; and promoting programs with staff and parents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides one on one assistance in both classroom and community vocational settings for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.

Assists employer and school partners for the purpose of meeting the work education objectives.

Monitors students performance in a variety of work sites according to program guidelines (e.g. visits job sites, obtain employer evaluations, serves as a liaison between employer & student, etc.) for the purpose of identifying areas requiring additional training on techniques and methods for maintaining solid work habits.

Provide input into job development, additional/alternative job duties and development of additional training sites for students.

Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records (e.g. DRS forms, transportation notices, student data and classroom correspondence) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.

Monitors student's job locations for the purpose of ensuring compliance with pertinent child labor laws, insurance guidelines, and safety.

Transports students to/from training sites for the purpose of assisting them in preparing for testing, interviews, and obtaining proper documentation to meet program objectives.

Assists in the development of students in vocational skills (e.g. work requirements, interviewing skills, etc.) for the purpose of enhancing their readiness for employment.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Assists in the promotion of the program to the business community, students, participants, teachers, parents, etc. for the purpose of defining the program objectives and opportunities for participation.

Communicates with supervising instructional staff and employers for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress, problem solving and/or implementing IEP objectives.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students' personal 

hygiene.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using MS Office applications; preparing and maintaining accurate student records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; conflict resolution.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with students of varying abilities and flexible work schedules. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: regular attendance; working independently with students at their vocational training sites; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under minimal supervision; guiding others. Demonstrate professional work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills to promote a positive image of District 88. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 20% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a clean atmosphere.

Education Bachelors degree 

Licenses Educator License with Stipulations – Paraprofessional endorsement or higher

School Bus Driver Permit (within one month of employment)

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Salary:                                                   23-24 SY
ELS (PARA) and or Substitute License        $18.00         
PEL/ Vocational Aide                                 $19.48                 
Full Time 7.75 hours per day
Medical and dental benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
Contributions to a defined pension plan (IMRF)

One of the following items is required for all teacher aide positions:

• Illinois Professional Educator License with a Paraprofessional Endorsement
• Illinois Professional Educator License
• Illinois Substitute License