Work-Based Learning Specialist

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center • New Haven, CT

17d

About The Position

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is seeking a Work-Based Learning Specialist to support students’ training and personal and career development through work-based learning and training programs. Students typically participate in a 10-month internship at a community business to build real-world employment skills. The specialist primarily provides job coaching at community work sites, classroom instruction on basic employment skills, and reports on student progress. The role supports students in achieving their goals while maintaining positive relationships with students, employers, employer partners, families, and CHSC staff.

The position works under the oversight of the Work-Based Learning & Training Supervisor. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with flexibility required. The role is based in New Haven, Connecticut, and may require transporting students to work sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (4–5 years) in a related field.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license.
• Regular use of a personal vehicle and willingness to transport students when needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employers, clients, families, staff, and the public.
• Ability and willingness to adapt to a flexible schedule.
• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, ABA, Disability Studies, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a related field.
• Experience working with people with cognitive disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
• Experience working in retail or food service settings.
• Some experience with classroom instruction.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and coaching in classrooms and at work sites.
• Work with the Work-Based Learning team to establish and follow a program calendar and deliver work-based learning within required timeframes.
• Teach students communication, problem-solving, interview, and self-advocacy skills.
• Work with the team to update the curriculum so instruction remains relevant.
• Provide regular feedback about student work performance to team members, teachers, families, and outside program staff.
• Build and maintain employer relationships, identify on-site learning opportunities, explain Chapel Haven’s mission and typical student profile, and improve program results.
• Develop new work-based learning sites and vocational or training opportunities within new or existing partnerships.
• Help students measure and improve progress, learn job tasks, and develop professional relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
• Attend internal meetings as needed to report on student progress in work-based learning programming.
• Communicate regularly with CHSC staff about each student’s progress.
• Complete daily documentation of student progress in an online platform.
• Provide travel training using public transportation or teach students to access private transportation independently; students complete travel training at the start of each placement.
• Help students create professional portfolios, including updated resumes and letters of recommendation from work sites.
• Transport students to work sites as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• A professional, warm, and welcoming workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time