Position Overview

The Skill-Building Specialist at The Learning Sanctuary plays a critical role in supporting neurodiverse learners by equipping them with practical skills for academic, professional, and independent living success. This role focuses on executive functioning, career readiness, social-emotional learning, and real-world skill application to help learners thrive in education, the workplace, and daily life.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized skill-building plans tailored to each learner’s strengths, challenges, and career aspirations.

• Teach executive function strategies, including time management, organization, and goal setting.

• Provide career and workplace readiness coaching, including resume building, interview preparation, and workplace communication.

• Facilitate independent living skills training, such as financial literacy, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

• Utilize real-world, hands-on learning experiences to enhance engagement and retention of skills.

• Collaborate with educators, mentors, and families to ensure a comprehensive approach to skill development.

• Encourage social interaction and teamwork through group learning activities, peer mentorship, and role-playing exercises.

• Monitor progress and adjust learning plans to ensure scholars are making meaningful advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, occupational therapy, counseling, social work, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Experience working with neurodiverse individuals, particularly in executive functioning, vocational training, or life skills coaching.

• Strong understanding of individualized learning strategies and strengths-based teaching approaches.

• Ability to adapt teaching methods to support learners with diverse needs and learning styles.

• Experience with assistive technology, digital literacy, or hands-on skill training is a plus.

• Excellent communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in special education, career counseling, or independent living programs.

• Background in social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavioral coaching.

• Familiarity with universal design for learning (UDL) principles and trauma-informed teaching methods.

Position Overview

The Sanctuary Educator (Speech Teacher/Communication Coach) provides specialized support to neurodiverse learners who require assistance with speech, language, social communication, and self-advocacy skills. This educator helps scholars develop confidence in verbal and nonverbal communication, enhancing their ability to engage academically, socially, and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess communication needs and develop individualized learning plans for scholars.

• Provide direct speech and language instruction, focusing on articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and social communication.

• Teach self-advocacy and workplace communication strategies to help scholars navigate education, employment, and social settings.

• Facilitate group workshops and one-on-one sessions to develop conversation skills, emotional expression, and active listening.

• Support alternative communication methods, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, assistive technology, and written communication tools.

• Use role-playing, real-world scenarios, and interactive learning activities to improve speech clarity, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.

• Collaborate with families, educators, and skill-building specialists to reinforce communication strategies across different environments.

• Track progress and adjust learning plans based on each scholar’s growth and evolving needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, Special Education, or a related field preferred.

• Ability to teach sound and symbol based speech curriculum.

• Certification or licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Speech Therapist, or Communication Coach preferred.

• Experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and social communication challenges.

• Knowledge of assistive communication devices and strategies for nonverbal or minimally verbal learners.

• Ability to create engaging, interactive, and strengths-based communication lessons.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping scholars develop confidence in their communication abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in social-emotional learning (SEL) and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

• Background in public speaking, debate coaching, or workplace communication training.

• Familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and adaptive speech technologies.