Work-Based Learning Specialist

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center Inc • New Haven, CT

1d

About The Position

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster independence. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection, we want to hear from you!

Under the oversight of the Work-Based Learning & Training Supervisor, the Work Based Learning Specialist will support the training and personal/career development of each student within work-based learning and training programs. Students in Work Based Learning typically participate in a 10-month internship to build real-world employment skills on site at a business in the community. Past internship sites have included Yale New Haven Health, JCC of Greater New Haven, and CVS. The Work-Based Learning Specialist will primarily be responsible for providing job coaching at these community work sites, classroom instruction on basic employment skills, and reporting on student progress. The focus of the Work Based Learning Specialist will be supporting each student to achieve their goals, as well as maintaining a positive relationship with key stakeholders such as students, employers, employer partners, families, and Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC) staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience (4-5 years) in related field
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license
• Regular use of personal vehicles 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 as the position requires
• Ability to stand, sit and walk for extended periods of time

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, ABA, Disability Studies, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, or 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 classroom and at work sites
• Together with the rest of the Work Based Learning team, establish and follow program calendar to ensure work-based learning is executed within the required timeframes
• Instruct students on content such as communication skills, problem solving, interview skills, and self-advocacy
• Together with the rest of the Work Based Learning team, regularly update curriculum to ensure all instruction is relevant
• Provides regular feedback on student work performance to other team members, such as teachers, families, outside program staff, etc.
• Help build and maintain relationships with employers to identify new on-site learning opportunities, provide education about Chapel Haven’s mission and typical student profile, and improve program results. This may include site development of new WBL sites and developing new vocational or training opportunities within new or existing partnerships.
• Works with students to measure and improve their progress, learn on-the-job tasks, and develop professional relationships with coworkers and supervisors on site.
• Attend internal meetings as necessary to report on students’ progress within WBL programming. Communicate regularly with CHSC staff about each student’s progress.
• Complete daily documentation of student progress in online platform
• Provide travel training through public transportation or teach students to be able to access private transportation independently. Students complete travel training at the start of each new placement.
• Support students to create professional portfolios including updated resumes, letters of recommendations from work sites, etc.
• Transport students to work sites as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible Opportunities: Part- time employees enjoy a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select Benefits may also be available.
• Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement
• Staff longevity and Development: over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5+ plus years, many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling, long-term careers spanning 10 plus years.
• A culture of Community and Compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level