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:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, coworkers, and external partners.
• Effective time management, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to coach and support students in vocational and professional settings.
• Proficiency in basic computer use for documentation and communication.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and workplace accommodations.
• Familiarity with job readiness strategies and career development practices.
• Understanding of behavioral support principles and therapeutic crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of community-based employment settings and vocational program structures.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during behavioral challenges or crisis situations.
• Ability to transport students safely and maintain a valid driver’s license and appropriate endorsements.
• Physical ability to provide supervision and behavioral support in diverse settings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of the School Paraprofessional Certification required upon hire.
• Two (2) or more years of experience working with youth in educational or vocational programs preferred.
• Strong behavior management skills and experience with ASD and behavioral disorders strongly preferred.
• Must complete and maintain agency-required certifications (e.g., PMT, CPR/First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, ATS. DDS Medication).
• Valid driver’s license required; must qualify for an “A” endorsement per CT Department of Transportation standards.
• Positive attitude, sound judgment, and ability to work with diverse populations required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in classroom, job site, and community-based settings.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with behavioral interventions when required and support individuals with mobility needs.
• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or community-based activities with residents.
• Frequent travel between locations for student transportation and vocational assignments.
• May require standing, walking, or physical assistance for extended periods.
• Exposure to behaviors requiring de-escalation and intervention is possible.

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