Vocational Specialist

Atlantis Academy•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 the vocational training program in alignment with Spectrum practices and policies and Department of Labor requirements. The specialist supports students with diverse learning needs in preparing for meaningful employment through individualized vocational training plans, job coaching, career counseling, and community-based learning opportunities aligned with IEP goals and individual career plans. The position works with students, school teams, families, employers, and community partners to deliver vocational and career-readiness programming. It includes coordinating assessments and training plans, supporting campus and community-based work experiences, managing school-based businesses and student payroll processes, and maintaining records and data for compliance and program reporting.

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 in the community.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or strong knowledge in vocational education for children, job coaching services, and/or job-experience training.
Prior experience and strong knowledge in program management and/or development, and working with databases and spreadsheets.
Strong skills working with children with severe learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
Proficiency in motivating students and having critical conversations that move them toward realistic goals.
Strong relationship-building skills with students, parents, teachers, and community and/or business partners.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain organization and attention to detail.
Advanced 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 ITP 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 (WAI) requirements, Department of Labor regulations, and student IEP/ITP goals; monitor the quality, safety, and effectiveness of training activities.
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, maintaining 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 WAI 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 protocols.
Submit student timesheets and maintain accurate payroll records in a timely manner.
Attend required trainings, meetings, professional development activities, and program events on and off campus.
Collect and analyze student participation, employment, and outcome data for WAI grant reporting; prepare required program documentation and reports.
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned to strengthen vocational programming and career-readiness opportunities.