Vocational Support Counselor (Transitional Academy)

JOB SUMMARY :

The Vocational Support Counselor (VSC) provides direct support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) across vocational, educational, and community-based settings. The VSC assists students in building job readiness, interviewing, and professional social skills and provides on-site support and supervision at employment sites. This role helps facilitate vocational classroom activities, transports students to work-related appointments, monitors performance, and fosters independence. The VSC collaborates with vocational staff and interdisciplinary teams to ensure students are supported in their personal, academic, and professional growth.

WORK SCHEDULE :

Positions aligned with school-based or transitional programming follow a 219-day schedule (37.5 hours / week) that aligns with the academic calendar. Flexibility is also required for varied shifts, community-based travel, and vocational site coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assist vocational staff with classroom-based job readiness instruction and skill development activities.
• Support students in learning interview techniques, job application procedures, and workplace expectations.
• Provide on-site supervision and mentoring at job placements, volunteer sites, and vocational training settings.
• Model professional behavior and help students navigate workplace social expectations.
• Transport students to interviews, job tours, and community-based employment opportunities.
• Reinforce vocational goals and individualized work plans as directed by program staff.
• Implement behavior management strategies and provide proactive support in vocational and classroom environments.
• Observe and document student progress and behavior at work sites; report concerns to vocational leadership.
• Utilize approved Physical / Psychological Management Training (PMT) techniques during crisis situations when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all student-related matters.
• Communicate observations and updates to vocational coordinators and team members in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, vocational planning sessions, and required trainings.
• Complete all documentation, including incident reports, vocational data, and attendance logs, accurately and promptly.
• Follow all directives from vocational leadership and support reassignments across educational or vocational programs as needed.
• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :

SKILLS :

KNOWLEDGE :

ABILITIES :

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

A job description is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and / or responsibility

Equal Opportunity Employer

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