Vocational Specialist

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

Annual Education Stipend

Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Paid Time Off

401k

Growth & Development opportunities

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs in Oakland, CA is seeking a Vocational Specialist to lead the vocational training program within our Special Education team. You will design and manage individualized training plans aligned to IEP goals, deliver job coaching, and build community partnerships to expand real-world learning opportunities.

The role emphasizes hands-on instruction, collaboration with teachers and staff, and compliance with DoL and WAI requirements while preparing students for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; basic skills tested.
• Bachelor's degree in education or related field preferred.
• Valid CA driver's license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to drive a company van to transport students.
• Ability to obtain crisis management training.
• Experience in vocational education, job coaching, or related field.
• Experience with program management and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Administering vocational and transition assessments for students age 14+.
• Developing individualized vocational training plans aligned with IEPs.
• Delivering on-campus vocational training, career exploration, and work-based learning.
• Designing new on-campus vocational training opportunities.
• Procuring curriculum resources and materials for programming.
• Ensuring compliance with WAI and DoL regulations; monitor training quality and safety.
• Providing on-campus and community job coaching; train staff on coaching methods.
• Managing daily operations of school-based businesses (SBBs).
• Coordinating community-based work training and employer partnerships.
• Creating and maintaining work schedules; communicating updates to stakeholders.
• Overseeing payroll processes for the WAI program; handling W-4 and I-9 processing.
• Submitting timesheets and payroll records; ensuring compliance.
• Attending trainings and program events to stay current with standards.
• Collecting data for WAI grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Assisting with special projects to strengthen vocational programming.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Job coaching

Data management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database/Spreadsheets

Job description

? Starting Rate: $22 /hour? Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Vocational Specialist to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in hands-on, student-centered environments, are passionate about preparing individuals with diverse learning needs for meaningful employment, and bring creativity, persistence, strong relationship-building skills, and a solutions-focused mindset to your work — We Should Talk!?

As a Vocational Specialist, you will lead and oversee the vocational training program in alignment with Spectrum practices and policies, and Department of Labor requirements. You will drive student success by managing individualized vocational training plans, delivering job coaching and career counseling aligned to IEP goals and individual career plans, and cultivating strong community-based partnerships and job sites that expand real-world learning opportunities.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Administering vocational, career, and transition assessments, including annual age-appropriate inventories, work-readiness evaluations, and student profiles beginning at age 14, while supporting teachers and coordinators in selecting and completing assessments that inform Individual Transition Plan (ITP) development.

• Developing individualized vocational and career training plans aligned with student IEPs and schedules, while maintaining accurate data and documentation to support IEP and ITP progress monitoring and reporting.

• Supporting classroom teams in delivering on-campus vocational training, career exploration, work-based learning experiences, and pre-employment transition activities that build practical skills and workplace readiness.

• Designing and coordinating new on-campus vocational training opportunities that expand hands-on learning, career exposure, and meaningful pathways to employment.

• Procuring and distributing curriculum resources, instructional tools, equipment, and materials necessary to support engaging, high-quality vocational and career-readiness programming.

• Ensuring compliance with WorkAbility I (WAI) requirements, Department of Labor regulations, and student IEP/ITP goals while monitoring the quality, safety, and effectiveness of vocational training activities.

• Providing individualized job coaching in on-campus and community-based settings while training classroom staff and other stakeholders on effective job-training methods, workplace procedures, and coaching strategies.

• Managing daily operations of school-based businesses (SBBs), including coordinating student participation, supporting skill development, and maintaining organized and efficient business practices.

• Coordinating community-based work training opportunities by developing employer partnerships, matching students with appropriate placements, supporting ongoing employer relationships, monitoring satisfaction, and resolving concerns in collaboration with school teams.

• Creating and maintaining student work, training, and vocational schedules while communicating updates clearly and consistently with students, staff, employers, and other stakeholders.

• Overseeing student payroll processes for the WAI program, including processing work permits and renewals, preparing required employment documentation such as W-4 and I-9 forms, following established payroll procedures, and training students and staff on applicable protocols.

• Submitting student timesheets and maintaining payroll-related records in a timely and accurate manner to support compliance, documentation requirements, and efficient payroll processing.

• Attending required trainings, meetings, professional development activities, and program events both on and off campus to remain current with program standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in transition services.

• Collecting and analyzing student participation, employment, and outcome data for WAI grant reporting while preparing required documentation and reports that demonstrate program effectiveness and student progress.

• Performing additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned to strengthen vocational programming, expand career-readiness opportunities, and support successful postsecondary outcomes for students.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid CA state driver's license.
• Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students within the community.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in providing children with vocational education, job coaching services and/or job experience training.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in program management and/or development and working with databases and spreadsheets.
• Highly skilled in working with children with severe learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

As a vital part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a nationally recognized leader in alternative and special education programs for children and young adults, we are committed to changing the lives of children by providing them with the opportunity to create successful, independent futures. Operating a variety of specialized program centers, we partner with more than 235 school districts nationwide to provide instructional and behavioral services in a safe, trusting environment where students can achieve their full potential.

? Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is aChanceto transform lives through education!

? Learn more about the perks and benefits we provide by checking out our digital brochure:

• CL-BenefitsBrochure

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is YourChance!

Careers, With ChanceLight ? Work. With Purpose.

Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.

Education

Required

• High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Ability to Obtain
• Gen - Driver's License
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Skills

Required

• Career Planning
• Academic Support
• Performance Motivation
• Scheduling/Time Management
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making

Behaviors

Preferred

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.