Vocational Specialist

ChanceLight Programs•Oakland, CA

11d

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking a Vocational Specialist for its K–12 special education program. The role leads and oversees vocational training in alignment with Spectrum practices and policies and Department of Labor requirements. The specialist develops individualized vocational training plans, provides job coaching and career counseling aligned with IEP goals and career plans, and builds community partnerships and job sites that support real-world learning and employment opportunities. The position supports students with diverse learning needs through vocational and transition assessments, on-campus and community-based training, career exploration, work-based learning, and school-based businesses. It also oversees program operations, student schedules, WorkAbility I payroll processes, regulatory compliance, and outcome reporting. The role involves collaboration with students, families, school staff, employers, and other stakeholders, as well as attending required training, meetings, professional development, and program events on and off campus.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and passage of a basic skills test.
Currently hold or be able to obtain a valid California state driver's license.
Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students within the community.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or substantial knowledge in vocational education for children, job coaching, and/or job-experience training.
Prior experience and substantial knowledge in program management and/or development, including working with databases and spreadsheets.
Skill in working with children with severe learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them move toward realistic goals.
Skill in building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and community and/or business partners.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain organization and attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Proficiency with relevant technology, including computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.

Responsibilities

Administer vocational, career, and transition assessments, including annual age-appropriate inventories, work-readiness evaluations, and student profiles beginning at age 14; support teachers and coordinators with assessments that inform Individual Transition Plan development.
Develop individualized vocational and career training plans aligned with student IEPs and schedules, and maintain data and documentation for IEP and ITP progress monitoring and reporting.
Support classroom teams in providing on-campus vocational training, career exploration, work-based learning, and pre-employment transition activities.
Design and coordinate new on-campus vocational training opportunities.
Procure and distribute curriculum resources, instructional tools, equipment, and materials for vocational and career-readiness programming.
Ensure compliance with WorkAbility I requirements, Department of Labor regulations, and student IEP/ITP goals; monitor the quality, safety, and effectiveness of vocational training.
Provide individualized job coaching on campus and in community settings, and train classroom staff and other stakeholders in job-training methods, workplace procedures, and coaching strategies.
Manage daily operations of school-based businesses, including student participation, skill development, and business practices.
Coordinate community-based work training by developing employer partnerships, matching students with placements, supporting employer relationships, monitoring satisfaction, and resolving concerns with school teams.
Create and maintain student work, training, and vocational schedules, and communicate updates to students, staff, employers, and other stakeholders.
Oversee WorkAbility I student payroll processes, including work permits and renewals, employment documentation such as W-4 and I-9 forms, payroll procedures, and training students and staff on applicable protocols.
Submit student timesheets and maintain accurate payroll records and documentation.
Attend required trainings, meetings, professional development activities, and program events on and off campus.
Collect and analyze student participation, employment, and outcome data for WorkAbility I grant reporting; prepare required documentation and reports.
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned to strengthen vocational programming and support students' postsecondary outcomes.