Vocational Trainer

The Vocational Trainer is responsible for facilitating Community-Based Prevocational Services which includes providing classroom-based instruction and coordinating community-based activities that allow individuals to apply and reinforce learned skills in real-world settings. Using a person-centered approach, the Vocational Trainer supports skill development that promotes independence, self-efficacy, confidence, and meaningful participation towards their vocational goals. The Vocational Trainer will assist with scheduling and overseeing individualized community-based work experiences aligned with goals identified in each participant’s valued outcomes, ensuring continuity between classroom learning and practical application.

Role Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, higher education degree preferred.


• 1+ years’ experience in vocational services, day services, community habilitation, respite services or related fields, with a strong understanding of the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.


• 1+ years’ experience working on goals, increasing independence, and knowledge of advocacy and recreational resources and systems.


• Valid NYS Driver’s License, Inspection, and Registration

Role Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and supervision to a group of up to eight people, engaging them in structured curriculum activities and community-based work experiences.


• Ensure adherence to weekly schedules and planned activities while supporting participants in demonstrating professionalism and enhancing their soft skills, social skills and workplace behaviors within community settings.


• Integrate life skills, job readiness training, and travel training into daily group activities and unpaid work experiences to promote independence and meaningful community integration.


• Participate in person-centered planning by fostering an environment that promotes empowerment, skill development, and self-advocacy, while addressing personal care and support needs as they arise.


• Assesses performance and progress of participants at their unpaid work experience sites.


• Facilitate classroom-based pre-vocational instruction focused on developing transferable, non-job-specific skills, including Time management, Following directions, Stress management, Effective communication, Task attention and completion.


• Coordinate and supervise individualized and group work experience opportunities aligned with each participant’s person-centered goals.


• Transports participants to work experience sites in a safe and efficient manner.


• Maintain consistent communication and collaboration with families, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure accurate updates regarding participant progress, service outcomes, and status changes.


• Collaborate with internal programs and departments assigned by the supervisor to enhance service delivery.


• Model professionalism, appropriate workplace behavior, and positive community engagement at all times.


• Complete objective and timely documentation, including: Daily service notes reflecting participation, skill development, and progress toward goals; monthly documentation, and annual evaluations assessing employability and pre-vocational skill development.


• Performs all other duties as assigned.