Vocational Coordinator (Brooklyn)

Gersh Autism Academy; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

401k matching

Life Insurance

Family Leave

Disability (Short/Long-term)

Job summary

Gersh Autism Academy in Brooklyn, NY seeks a Vocational Coordinator to design and oversee vocational and transition programming for students aged 14–22. You will partner with families, school teams, and community employers to create individualized opportunities and real-world work experiences.

The role focuses on job readiness, community placements, and ongoing supports, with collaboration across teachers, related services, and caregivers to ensure successful transitions into adulthood.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum or developmental disabilities.
• Experience supporting transition planning or vocational programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build relationships with employers, families, and community agencies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet Gersh Autism's vehicle requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vocational and transition services for students aged 14–22.
• Create pre-vocational training activities for workplace readiness.
• Conduct vocational assessments to identify interests and goals.
• Develop transition and vocational goals as part of IEPs.
• Create task analyses and data collection systems for vocational programming.
• Maintain records related to student vocational progress.

Skills

Autism experience

Vocational programming

IEP knowledge

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Special Education

Human Services

Job description

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.
The Vocational Coordinator is responsible for developing and overseeing vocational and transition programming that prepares students for meaningful employment, increased independence, and successful transitions into adulthood. This role partners with students, families, school teams, community agencies, and local employers to create individualized vocational opportunities and build real-world work experiences.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Vocational & Transition Programming

• Develop and implement vocational and transition services that prepare students for employment, community participation, and independent living for students age 14-22.
• Create pre-vocational training activities that build workplace readiness and functional life skills.
• Conduct vocational assessments to identify student interests, strengths, aptitudes, and career goals.
• Develop and implement transition and vocational goals as part of each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Create task analyses, instructional supports, and data collection systems for vocational programming.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to student vocational progress.
• Develop and maintain transitional information to show progress of students.

Community Partnerships & Employment

• Build relationships with local businesses and community organizations to develop vocational training and employment opportunities.
• Coordinate community-based job sites and experiential learning opportunities.
• Teach students job readiness skills, including completing applications, interviewing, workplace expectations, and employment retention.
• Provide on-site coaching, supervision, and advocacy for students participating in community work experiences.
• Coordinate transportation needs related to vocational placements and community-based instruction.

Student & Family Support

• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to support transition planning.
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide transition planning support based on individual student needs.
• Coordinate with outside agencies, and other community partners.
• Support family engagement events related to transition services and post-secondary planning.
• Provide additional behavioral and instructional support to Behavior Interventionists (BIs) as needed, helping maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.

Program Coordination

• Coach and support staff involved in vocational programming.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials related to vocational and transition skills.
• Coordinate job site scheduling and community partnerships.
• Assist with schoolwide communication by preparing the weekly staff letter and contributing to the student and family newsletter.
• Continuously evaluate and improve vocational programming to support student success.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, Human Services, Rehabilitation, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or developmental disabilities.
• Experience supporting transition planning or vocational programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build relationships with employers, families, and community agencies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet Gersh Autism's requirements to operate company vehicles.
• Experience developing vocational or transition programs. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of IEP development and transition services. (Preferred)
• Experience working with secondary transition-aged students. (Preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quicklyAbility to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Working Environment

• Location: Brooklyn, NY with the requirement to travel to community-based job sites and local businesses.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Occasional before and after school, work hours at the discretion of the administrative staff
• Setting: School/classroom setting and community-based settings (e.g., job sites, local businesses).

Benefits For Full Time Employees

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

The Pay Range For This Role Is

28 - 28 USD per hour(Brooklyn)