Part-Time Job Coach School to Work, Monday- Thursday

Abilities First•Poughkeepsie, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First, Inc. is seeking a School to Work Vocational Specialist to work with students aged 14-21 receiving special education services. This role facilitates the transition from a supported school environment to adult work life by providing mentoring, assistance, and assessing student strengths, interests, and needs. The program arranges work-study opportunities as hands-on, unpaid work experiences similar to internships in areas of student interest.

Requirements

A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
Ability to lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
Ability to assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or related field a plus; alternate combination of education & experience considered.
Experience with special education preferred with practical, working knowledge of the special education system.

Responsibilities

Complete all assessment documentation for review by School to Work Services Coordinator, school personnel and parents.
Establish specific individual goals for each student based on interests, strengths, and demonstrated needs for support.
Assume responsibility for training, supervision, and support to ensure reaching individual goals for each student.
Attend all relevant meetings both at IES and School.
Observe each student's activity, behavior, and progress and report to the Coordinator on a daily basis.
Share information proactively with school personnel and parents as directed.
Analyze all skills to be taught and/or observed and teach through recommended training techniques.
Respond in a positive manner to requests for additional supports and/or training.
Advocate for each student's ongoing success in a positive, creative, and proactive manner.
Assume driving responsibilities when requested and transport students and/or adults as necessary.
Meet with school personnel to apprise them of student progress at annual reviews, issues, etc.
Lend support to other staff members of this department which may mean assisting at a job site.
Assist, as directed, with student screening for program readiness, site development and coordination.
Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior.
Follow all agency policy and procedures.
Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by the supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
Support the agency vision and mission.
Consistently exhibit the qualities of a committed and professional employee including but not limited to: respect towards others, strive for excellence, teamwork, and unity.