Vocational Specialist/ Classroom Aide

Salary ranges from $18.00 - $20.00 per hour depending on Experience and Qualifications.

Position Summary:
The Vocational Specialist/Classroom Aide at The School at Springbrook provides students with opportunities to pursue their interests and develop pre-vocational and vocational skills through on-campus as well as community-based work experiences. The Vocational Specialist provides on-the-job skills training primarily to students enrolled in the school’s 8:1:2 ratio classrooms. The Vocational Specialist assists with the development and implementation of each participating student’s vocational/transition goals, as they are listed on the IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide instructional support and behavioral assistance to students diagnosed with developmental disabilities including but not limited to autism.
• Perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management, classroom instruction, and classroom management; implement service and behavioral support plans.
• Under the teacher’s direction, support and/or facilitate individual or small group lessons using prepared materials and/or vocationally-based resources.
• Supervise students throughout the day, in all environments.
• Support team with positive communication strategies.
• Maintain written program updates and progress notes; reports progress by phone, e-mail or in person.
• Facilitate community/vocationally based checklists to students enrolled in the vocational program.
• Provide individual supervision and support for students receiving services.
• Assist special education teachers in the development and implementation of students’ individual vocational IEP goals and objectives in concert with the IEP Coordinator.
• Support academic activities essential to employment within the vocational classrooms including reading and math skills, communication and social skills, following directions, completing job applications, etc.
• Attend program reviews on a quarterly basis and annual reviews (CSE meetings) for individuals enrolled in the vocational program. Attend all other meetings, as required.
• Act as a liaison between student employers, students, teachers and support staff and families/house mangers/care providers.
• Provide job coaching services and supports for a designated caseload. This may include on-site and vocational-skills assessments, support to improve work-based behavior and work-related social skills, vocational skills training, mobility training, work area adaptation, co-worker support, etc.
• Inform students’ educational team members of concerns with student job-sites, progress, behavior, etc.
• All other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Education.

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree with three (3) years’ experience as a service provider of the disabled or as a provider of treatment or case management services for the disabled and their families; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Basic knowledge of NYSED policies and procedures preferred.
• Duties require professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computer software and e-mail applications, especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word; with the aptitude to learn other computer software as necessary.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50 lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required.
• Be able to perform all physical interventions.

Springbrook is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Springbrook to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, age, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, traits historically associated with race and/or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $18 - $20