Vocational Coordinator (Issaquah) in Issaquah, Washington at Gersh Autism

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.

The Vocational Coordinator currently supports both Washington campuses, with a primary focus on students while also providing planning, programming, and consultation to staff supporting younger students to ensure continuity of transition services across all grade levels.

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, including the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), 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 collaborating with DVR, DDA, or similar agencies. (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 sizesAbility 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 environmentAbility to multi-task and shift priorities quicklyAbility to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situationsAbility to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationshipsAbility to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Working Environment

Location: Both Washington campuses, with regular 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 staffSetting: School/classroom setting and community-based settings (e.g., job sites, local businesses).

Benefits for Full Time Employees

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your 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 DisabilityTraining & DevelopmentThe pay range for this role is:30 - 32 USD per hour(Cougar Mountain)