Special Education Vocational Job Coach (26-27 school year)

POSITION TITLE: Special Education Vocational Job Coach - Paraprofessional
EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Low Incidence Disabilities - Special Education
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10, 11, or 12 month

Primary Purpose

Work under the general supervision of the vocational adjustment coordinator (VAC) and vocational adjustment teachers (VATs) to assist in providing for the instructional and vocational needs of participants (students) with disabilities in the 18+ program.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Associate Degree, two years of study at an institute of higher learning, or meet formal academic assessment

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

Ability to work well with individuals with disabilities

Ability to assist with instruction

Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and interpersonal skills

Experience

Experience working with individuals with disabilities

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

• Assist the VAC and VATs in preparing instructional materials and work-related guides.
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly learning and working environment.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of instructional materials and equipment.
• Assist VAT in creating and maintaining documentation, administrative records and reports.
• Meet regularly with the VAC and VATs to assist in matching participants with appropriate vocational opportunities.

Student Management

• Assist the VAC in meeting individually with participants (students) to determine vocational, social/emotional, and communication skill levels. Assist in reporting participants’ high school and past experiences, and summarize training needs for the VAC.
• Guide participants through informal vocational assessments and assist the VAC and VATs in creating individualized transition plans.
• Assist with scheduling on the job and pre-employment trainings with organizations, business partners, and employers to enhance job readiness and employability skills.
• Assist participants with identifying opportunities for employment, developing resumes, writing cover letters, completing employment applications, preparing for the interview and navigating the hiring process.
• Assist the VAC with maintaining employer and employment data in program software and gathering feedback to aid in maintaining successful training and employment for participants.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain familiarity with district initiatives to better serve the needs of participants.
• Participate in professional learning, staff meetings, and special events as assigned.

Communication

• Assist the VAC and teachers in maintaining positive relationships with agencies, vocational rehabilitation counselors, business partners and service providers.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals to the community and solicit community support.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office and classroom equipment, computer, peripherals, other devices, telephone
• Posture: Prolonged sitting/standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, keyboarding, use of mouse, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds without assistance, 30-55 pounds with assistance, and more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance; lifting and repositioning students
• Environment: Work is performed on and off campus, in businesses and agency environments, indoors and outdoors; biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions