Vocational Specialist (4290)

Together for Youth•Town of Colonie, NY

8d•$31 - $31

About The Position

The Vocational Specialist delivers an integrated educational and workforce‑readiness program designed to meet the individual educational and employment goals of youth in our juvenile secure detention facility. The Vocational Specialist will work closely with youth, staff, and community partners to provide comprehensive services that foster personal and professional growth. This position provides instruction in foundational literacy and math, life skills, and vocational competencies to prepare youth for employment, continued education, and independent living. DescriptionJob Responsibilities Conduct vocational assessments to identify strengths, needs, and learning goals for each resident. Develop individualized learning plans that support academic progress, career plan readiness, and personal growth, aligned with their goals and abilities. Teach standards‑aligned instruction in literacy, math, life skills, and workforce development. Support students in exploring career pathways and preparing for employment, internships, or certification opportunities. Assist youth in identifying educational programs that support their career goals Develop and implement lesson plans that incorporate hands‑on, project‑based, and real-world learning experiences. Utilize Transfr VR Headsets to assist learners with career exploration to career pathways in various industries. Utilize Orijin™ Tablets to personalized learning plans tailored to their career interests and educational goals. Teach essential life skills including financial literacy, communication, problem‑solving, self-advocacy, and daily living skills. Teach workforce soft skills readiness (job search strategies, résumé development, interview preparation, develop and practice interview skills, workplace etiquette, and time management)t. Offer continuous support and mentorship to youth, conducting regular follow-ups to ensure progress. Work collaboratively with program staff, case managers, counselors, and administrators to support holistic youth development, individualized learning plans, lesson plans, attendance record, tracking individual youth progress and outcomes along with program outcomes. Prepares and submits regular reports on program outcomes and youth progress. Adheres to agency policies and procedures; follow and support the agency's mission, vision, and values. Performs other duties as assigned. Job Requirements REQUIRED minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. Teaching certification, or CTE licensure, and/or a bachelor’s degree is highly preferred. REQUIRED a minimum of 1-3 years of experience, in education, vocational training, workforce development, or related field. Experience working with at‑risk youth, alternative education settings, or special education populations. Experience developing individualized learning plans or competency‑based instruction. Moderate knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.). Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population. Ability to become TCI certified in de-escalation techniques (not physical restraint techniques) and maintain certification Must have a valid driver’s license. Ability to travel locally, regionally, and potentially statewide, flexible hours. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Together for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As a federal contractor, Together for Youth will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees with access to compensation information of other employees or applicants as part of their essential job functions cannot disclose this information unless it is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).

Requirements

REQUIRED minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
REQUIRED a minimum of 1-3 years of experience, in education, vocational training, workforce development, or related field.
Experience working with at‑risk youth, alternative education settings, or special education populations.
Experience developing individualized learning plans or competency‑based instruction.
Moderate knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
Ability to work with an economically and culturally diverse population.
Ability to become TCI certified in de-escalation techniques (not physical restraint techniques) and maintain certification
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel locally, regionally, and potentially statewide, flexible hours.

Nice To Haves

Teaching certification, or CTE licensure, and/or a bachelor’s degree is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct vocational assessments to identify strengths, needs, and learning goals for each resident.
Develop individualized learning plans that support academic progress, career plan readiness, and personal growth, aligned with their goals and abilities.
Teach standards‑aligned instruction in literacy, math, life skills, and workforce development.
Support students in exploring career pathways and preparing for employment, internships, or certification opportunities.
Assist youth in identifying educational programs that support their career goals
Develop and implement lesson plans that incorporate hands‑on, project‑based, and real-world learning experiences.
Utilize Transfr VR Headsets to assist learners with career exploration to career pathways in various industries.
Utilize Orijin™ Tablets to personalized learning plans tailored to their career interests and educational goals.
Teach essential life skills including financial literacy, communication, problem‑solving, self-advocacy, and daily living skills.
Teach workforce soft skills readiness (job search strategies, résumé development, interview preparation, develop and practice interview skills, workplace etiquette, and time management)t.
Offer continuous support and mentorship to youth, conducting regular follow-ups to ensure progress.
Work collaboratively with program staff, case managers, counselors, and administrators to support holistic youth development, individualized learning plans, lesson plans, attendance record, tracking individual youth progress and outcomes along with program outcomes.
Prepares and submits regular reports on program outcomes and youth progress.
Adheres to agency policies and procedures; follow and support the agency's mission, vision, and values.
Performs other duties as assigned.