PAES Lab Supervisor, St. Joseph Center for Special Learning

Diocese of Allentown; North Manheim Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Diocese of Allentown is seeking a PAES Lab Supervisor for the St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Schuylkill Haven.

This part-time position (29 hours weekly, year-round with adjusted summer hours) leads the PAES Lab operations, delivering structured, hands-on vocational training to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role collaborates with educators to implement PAES curriculum, tailor instruction to IEP goals, and document student progress, while maintaining a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Postsecondary education in education, special education, vocational training, occupational skills, or a related field preferred.
• Training or experience related to PAES preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction, supervision, and coaching as students learn job-related and functional life skills across PAES work domains.
• Coordinate daily lab schedules, student work rotations, and activities for hands-on vocational learning.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor and document student performance, progress, and outcomes.
• Complete required data collection, reports, and documentation related to PAES assessments and student IEP goals.
• Communicate student observations and progress with teachers and IEP team.
• Promote independence and vocational readiness.
• Maintain PAES Lab materials and workspace in an organized manner.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Student-centered approach

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Postsecondary education in education or related field (preferred)

PAES training or related experience (preferred)

Job description

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN

St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Schuylkill Haven

Position Description

Job Title: PAES Lab Supervisor

Job Status: Part-time, 29 hours per week, year-round with adjusted summer hours

Reporting Functions: Reports to Principal

Job Function: The PAES Lab Supervisor oversees the daily operation of the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) Lab and provides structured, hands‑on vocational training to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position supports students in developing functional, vocational, and life skills that promote independence, confidence, work readiness, and meaningful adult outcomes.

The PAES Lab Supervisor works collaboratively with educators and support staff to implement the PAES curriculum and provide individualized instruction based on each student's abilities, interests, needs, and IEP goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct instruction, supervision, and coaching as students learn and practice job‑related and functional life skills across PAES work domains.
• Incorporate artistic and creative activities into appropriate lab experiences to support skill development, engagement, fine motor skills, and self‑expression.
• Coordinate daily lab schedules, student work rotations, and activities to provide students with meaningful opportunities for hands‑on vocational learning.
• Maintain a safe, structured, positive, and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor and document student performance, progress, work behaviors, and outcomes.
• Complete required data collection, reports, and documentation related to PAES assessments and student IEP goals.
• Communicate student observations, progress, strengths, and areas of growth with teachers, related service providers, and the IEP team.
• Adapt instruction and activities to meet the individualized learning needs and abilities of students.
• Promote independence, responsibility, appropriate work behaviors, and vocational readiness.
• Maintain PAES Lab materials, equipment, supplies, and work areas in an organized and safe manner.
• Collaborate with school staff to support the integration of PAES skills into classroom and school‑based activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the PAES program and school community.
• Uphold the mission and values of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning.

Additional Conditions of Employment: Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle that is in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Educational Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Postsecondary education in education, special education, vocational training, occupational skills, or a related field preferred.
• Training or experience related to the Practical Assessment Exploration System(PAES) preferred.

Other Qualifications:

• Experience working with children or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
• Artistic skills or experience in visual arts, crafts, design, or creative instruction strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide hands‑on instruction to students with varying abilities and support needs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create and maintain a structured, positive, and engaging learning environment.
• Patient, enthusiastic, creative, and student-centered approach.
• Ability to motivate and engage students through hands‑on learning experiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, and other school staff.
• Commitment to supporting the diverse needs of students with disabilities and preparing students for greater independence and post‑school success.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards in accordance with school policies.
• Attend required staff training sessions and meetings as needed.
• Follow the academic school calendar and established school schedule.
• Maintain a safe and orderly work environment.
• Flexible scheduling may be available based on program needs.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License required.
• Must pass all required background checks and training requirements before employment.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and movement throughout the PAES Lab and school environment.
• Ability to assist students with hands‑on activities and vocational tasks as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and organize PAES materials and equipment as required.
• Must possess the physical and emotional stamina required to work in a school setting supporting students with varying needs.

Working Conditions: Special Learning Center environment; Operational Hours are 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Part‑time; Monday through Friday, 29 hours a week.

EOE/M/F/V/D