Community-Based Specialist Job – Education Centers
The Watson Institute is hiring a full-time Community-Based Specialist to work with students with special needs at both the Education Centers in Sewickley and Bridgeville, PA. This position will work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and follows the school calendar.
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Watson Institute!
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Sewickley, PA - Bridgeville, PA
Specialist Job Responsibilities:
- Provide support and instruction to students in a vocational and community setting
- Work directly with students both within the campus program/building as well as directly supporting students in community-based experiences outside of the campus (these may include local businesses, community outings, volunteer organizations)
- Prepare and review CBI/CBVE activities and organize materials at vocational partnership sites, volunteer sites and/or community settings
- Maintain accurate and prompt data collection; participate effectively as a prepared team member; contribute to the smooth operation of the Education Center Programs
- Attend Extended Team Meetings for classrooms with CBI/CBVE students, assess student needs, and attend IEP meetings as determined by Program Directors
- Develop partnerships with local businesses and community organizations for the purposes of CBI activities
- Write Present Levels and Transition sections of the IEPs
- Adhere to safety and health procedures, Department of Labor Guidelines, CBVE guidelines, IEP requirements, and individual agency regulations
- Interact professionally with coworkers, families, vocational partnership site staff, and school district personnel
- Communicate after each session with parents/guardians on the student-specific page in Teams
- Serve as liaison with community transition agencies such as OVR
- Travel daily to various sites and drive students in a van to and from various sites
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field required
- Three years of experience working with adolescents with special needs working on functional life and vocational skills in a classroom and/or a work-related setting
- The essential functions of this position require the ability to exert moderate physical effort including bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, brisk walking, and the ability to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds
- Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to drive students in a van
- Current PA Acts 34, 114 and 151 clearances
- Pre-employment medical examination, including a tuberculosis test required
Job Benefits:
- Access to Tuition Reimbursement to pursue further education and advanced degrees.
- Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
- Ongoing professional development through continued education opportunities, training, and direct staff support
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, and additional voluntary benefits
- 403b retirement plan with employer contributions and match after 1 year of employment