Vocational Instructor (Woodshop)

• Clifford Academy, a private school at The Home For Little Wanderers in Walpole, MA is seeking a Woodshop Class Vocational Instructor. Under the direction of the Principal and Vocational Coordinator, they will design and implement vocational curriculum for special needs students at varying academic levels. The shop space is separated into wood shop and automotive/small engine shop areas. An ideal candidate could navigate a bit of both; but Clifford places the priority on wood-based projects and will consider applicants without automotive/small engine skills. The instructor would join the vocational team, along with culinary and horticulture professionals. Presently, shop classes are an hour in duration with a small group of students (up to 4). School hours are 8AM to 4PM for a vocational program that is year-long (216 school days). There is an option for 4 days, part-time.

How You'll Be Making A Difference

To assist students to become more active learners and make substantial academic gains, Clifford Academy provides a year-round engaging and comprehensive program focused on education, career development, recreation/fitness, and an individualized therapeutic approach. These areas of focus are essential in helping students build self-esteem and become active members of their communities by reducing academic and behavioral regression, promoting positive social skills, and providing exercise and fun.

• Plan and implement vocational educational programs for students including curriculum and specific lesson plans consistent with broad educational guidelines of the agency.
• Research and collect vocational resource materials, and provide individualized career instruction to students of wide-ranging academic performance in conjunction with the Vocational Coordinator.
• Implement behavioral management programs within the classroom. Maintain current knowledge of the facility/agency's behavior management principles, system, and procedures, including TCI training.
• Participate in application of the system in the classroom including crisis intervention, use of restraints when required, processing with children during incidents, and teaching and modeling of social and emotional skills and growth.
• Participate as a member of student/client multi-disciplinary teams, provide information regarding the child's progress in an educational setting and receive multi-disciplinary advice and guidance to facilitate achievement of treatment, behavioral and educational goals.
• Meet and maintain liaison with collateral staff as required and serve as student advocate.
• Participate in a variety of meetings, conferences and workshops, and prepare a variety of reports and records, daily notes, conference reports, documentation forms, report cards and related comments, and any other role related documentation.
• Maintain a safe, orderly and neat classroom environment.
• Provide monitoring and coverage as needed.
• Communicate with and involve families in the vocational program of each child; assist the Vocational Coordinator in the implementation of appropriate activities in the program.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in related field + 5 years field experience OR 10 years field experience (without degree)
• Previous experience working in education and/or with program specific population of children highly desirable
• Certificate in woodworking/carpentry preferred, CAD experience desirable.
• Computer literate including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer with the ability to learn new software applications

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
• Health and Dental Insurance that is effective immediately upon hire
• Extensive training to new staff
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more!

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.