About this role
Mt. Mansfield Union High School is seeking a skilled individual to work as a Youth Employment Specialist to support our students with community-based learning programs. This position will support a student's transition services, ensuring that they receive meaningful vocational skill development and real-world work experiences. The Specialist will work collaboratively to expand employment opportunities, work with students to develop employment skills, and prepare them for successful post-secondary outcomes, including entry into paid employment, trade school, or higher education. Key Responsibilities:
• Community-Based Learning Program Development & Implementation:
• Integrate opportunities into students' individualized schedules, working closely with guidance counselors and case managers.
• Student Support:
• Utilize appropriate transition assessments to identify student career interests and effectively match students with suitable volunteer, internship, or paid employment positions.
• Provide direct job coaching, skill-building support, and ongoing supervision to students both in the classroom and in work-based learning settings.
• Employer Engagement & Partnership Cultivation:
• Proactively engage with local and greater Chittenden County businesses to cultivate new and diverse employment opportunities specifically tailored for our students.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for businesses interested in partnering with MMU for student work experiences, actively identifying employers well-suited to working with students with special needs.
• Collaboration & Service Integration:
• Work in close conjunction with MMU's special educators, and related service providers (e.g., Speech/Language, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy) to ensure employment goals are seamlessly integrated into student IEPs and overall academic programming.
• Collaborate with existing transition programs such as the Bridging Program and Project Search, complementing their services by offering broader and earlier access to diverse community-based learning for a wider cohort of eligible students.
• Program Assessment & Documentation:
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student placements, hours, progress, and vocational skill development.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Education, Special Education, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in vocational counseling, job coaching, transition services, special education, or a related role, preferably within a high school setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) transition requirements and best practices in youth employment.
• Familiarity with local and regional employment markets, particularly within Chittenden County, Vermont.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, school staff, community agencies, and business leaders.
• Experience utilizing transition assessments for career interest identification is highly desirable.
• Valid Driver's License
Candidates should complete an application through SchoolSpring.com. For more information about MMUHS and the MMUUSD, please visit our website https://www.mmuusd.org/.