Work-Based Learning Specialist

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Inc • New Haven, CT

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Work-Based Learning Specialist supports the training and personal and career development of students in work-based learning and training programs, under the oversight of the Work-Based Learning & Training Supervisor. Students typically participate in a 10-month internship at a community business to develop real-world employment skills. The specialist primarily provides job coaching at community work sites, classroom instruction in basic employment skills, and reports on student progress.

The role focuses on helping students achieve their goals while maintaining positive relationships with students, employers and employer partners, families, and Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC) staff. The specialist also supports students’ on-the-job learning, workplace relationships, travel skills, and development of professional portfolios.

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, 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 as the position requires.
• 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 the program calendar and ensure the program is delivered within required timeframes.
• Teach communication, problem-solving, interview, and self-advocacy skills.
• Work with the team to regularly update the curriculum to keep instruction relevant.
• Provide regular feedback about student work performance to teachers, families, outside program staff, and other team members.
• Build and maintain employer relationships, identify on-site learning opportunities, explain CHSC’s mission and typical student profile, and improve program results; this may include developing new work-based learning sites and vocational or training opportunities.
• 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 and communicate regularly with CHSC staff.
• 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 new 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.
• Professional growth and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time