Vocational Coordinator (Issaquah)

About the role

Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential for over 30 years. 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.

Responsibilities

The Vocational Coordinator will partner with students, families, school teams, community agencies, and local employers to create individualized vocational opportunities and build real-world work experiences. Key duties include:

• Developing and implementing vocational and transition services that prepare students for employment, community participation, and independent living
• Conducting vocational assessments to identify student interests, strengths, aptitudes, and career goals
• Developing and implementing transition and vocational goals as part of each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Building relationships with local businesses and community organizations to develop vocational training and employment opportunities
• Coordinating community-based job sites and experiential learning opportunities
• Teaching students job readiness skills, including completing applications, interviewing, workplace expectations, and employment retention
• Providing on-site coaching, supervision, and advocacy for students participating in community work experiences
• Collaborating with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to support transition planning
• Coordinating with outside agencies, including the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• 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
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Gersh Autism's requirements to operate company vehicles

Preferred qualifications include experience developing vocational or transition programs, knowledge of IEP development and transition services, and experience collaborating with DVR, DDA, or similar agencies.

Physical Requirements

The Vocational Coordinator must be able to:

• Keep students safe from themselves and others, and implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures as needed
• Remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and lift a child if necessary
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students
• Physically intervene when required to ensure safety
• Maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations

Working Environment

The Vocational Coordinator will work at both Washington campuses, with regular travel to community-based job sites and local businesses. The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with occasional before and after school hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff.

Benefits

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive work environment committed to personal and professional growth
• 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

Pay

The pay range for this role is $30 - $32 per hour.