Vocational Coordinator

JOB TITLE: Vocational Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Academic Services

STATUS: Exempt

REPORTING: Supervisor: Student Support Liaison

Direct Reports: Vocational Coaches

PAY: $44,670 - $53,600/yr 

BASIC FUNCTION: The Vocational Coordinator coordinates vocational assessments, pre-employment instruction and job coaching. The Vocational Coordinator establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with area employers for the purpose of providing work sites for Hammitt School students. The Vocational Coordinator also provides coordination of the STEP program. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Vocational Assessment: Coordinates assessments of students’ pre-employment and employment skills. Develops and maintains a competency rubric for evaluating student progress in the vocation program. Monitors student progress in the vocational program. 

2. Vocational Instruction: Plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates the vocational education component of Hammitt Schools. Ensures that each student’s vocational instruction assists with the pre-vocational and vocational goals and objectives identified in his or her Individualized Educational Program (IEP).  Supervises instruction in the Vocational Program.

3. Personnel Management: Responsible for assigned staff, including employment, training, supervision, support, and performance feedback, including timely completion performance evaluations.

4. Onsite Student Supervision: Provides assistance and supervision to students at vocational sites, in accordance with each student’s IEP. 

5. Social Skills Training: Instructs each student in social skills that relate to his or her IEP. Works with vocational staff to implement and assess social skills training based on each student’s IEP.

6. Community Employer Liaison: Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community employers for the purpose of maintaining work sites for Hammitt School students. Develops new partnerships and work sites. 

7. Vocational Coach Coordinator: Coordinates appropriate supervision and coaching for Hammitt School students while they are on job assignments as part of their curriculum and IEP.

8. Behavioral Treatment: Implements the clinical behavioral treatment program according to guidelines, including individualized programming on the student’s IEP and crisis intervention.

9. Transportation: Coordinates and provides transportation for vocational projects within the community, including driving agency vehicles as needed. Observes state and city speed and safety regulations, agency safety policies, School Bus Driver regulations, including the use of safety restraint systems for driver and passenger(s).

10. Interdisciplinary Team Structure: Participates on the supervisory team and as a member of the Hammitt Schools team to ensure cooperation and consistency in the services provided to students. Cooperates with the administrative, supervisory and support staff in planning for and scheduling programming and/or services for the students and/or their families. Attends meetings within the agency or community as assigned.

11. Progress Reporting: Collects, prepares and presents data on students as required by the Hammitt School programs. Maintains training records and ISBE required certifications for all assigned staff.

12. Lesson Plans: Develops and implements lesson plans according to Hammitt Schools’ program guidelines.

13. Materials and Supplies: Inventories and orders supplies according to program guidelines and within the Academic Services budget.

14. Quality Improvement: Contributes to quality improvement through active participation in Quality Improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree in special education preferred, specializing in teaching children with one or more of the following disabilities: behavior disorders, emotional problems, learning disabilities, speech and language deficits and/or developmental delays.

2. Certification with the State of Illinois as a Pre-Vocational Coordinator preferred. At a minimum, must be a licensed Substitute Teacher with the Illinois State Board of Education (or have the ability to obtain upon hire). 

3. Three years of experience with persons with pervasive developmental, emotional, and/or behavioral disabilities required. Previous vocational and/or supervisory experience strongly preferred. 

4. Temperament for working with and managing students with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities and other mental health and/or psychiatric diagnoses.

5. Willingness and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team structure.

6. Knowledge of and skill in utilizing behavioral approaches with students of various ages.

7. Availability to work flexible hours as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.

8. Good physical and mental health, including the physical ability to maintain the safety and well-being of children for whom there is responsibility and implement The Baby Fold’s approved physical crisis intervention procedures.

9. Must meet eligibility requirements for School Bus Driver and obtain license upon hire.

10. Ability and willingness to travel for job responsibilities, including a valid Illinois driver’s license which has not been revoked or suspended within the past three years, and use of a personal vehicle with adequate insurance. 

11. Must pass drug screen and necessary background checks.

12. Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.

13. Mission-oriented and willing to apply The Baby Fold’s standards and beliefs to the performance of job duties.