Special Educator

Job Title: Special Educator

Department: Training & Programmes

Reports To: Programme Manager

Location: Mumbai (Goregaon) | On-site

Employment Type: Full-time

About Veruschka Foundation

Veruschka Foundation empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to become contributing members of society through the power of food. Using cookery as a medium, the organisation provides sustainable livelihood opportunities and promotes independence through entrepreneurship, mainstream employment, and life skills development.

Website:https://theveruschkafoundation.org

Purpose of the Role

The Special Educator will design and deliver individualised skilling, behavioural, and life-skills interventions for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role ensures that each learner is supported to participate meaningfully in the respective training programmes and progress toward independence, employability, and social inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct learner assessments and identify skilling, behavioural & functional support needs

Develop and implement Individualised Skilling Plans (ISPs)

Provide classroom, practical, and behavioural support during training sessions

Facilitate life skills, communication, and social skills development

Collaborate with faculty, program teams, caregivers, and external professionals

Maintain accurate documentation and progress reports

Uphold organisational values of dignity, inclusion, and learner-centred practice

Key Result Areas (KRAs) 1. Individualised Skilling & Learning Outcomes

Develop ISPs for 100% of assigned learners within defined timelines

Ensure measurable progress in learning, behaviour, or functional skills for each learner

Adapt teaching strategies to suit diverse learning abilities and sensory needs

Support learners in achieving training milestones alongside vocational faculty

2. Behavioural & Emotional Support

Implement positive behaviour support plans consistently

Reduce behavioural incidents through structured interventions and reinforcement

Support emotional regulation, attention, and social interaction skills

Create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment

3. Life Skills & Independence Building

Conduct structured sessions on daily living, communication, and social skills

Support development of independence in routines, self-care, and workplace behaviour

Prepare learners for real-world environments such as internships or live kitchens

4. Training & Program Support

Provide in-class and on-floor support during culinary and vocational training

Collaborate with faculty to modify instruction, pacing, or materials

Ensure smooth learner participation across all training activities

5. Documentation, Monitoring & Reporting

Maintain accurate records including attendance, assessments, and progress notes

Submit timely reports for internal reviews, audits, and donor requirements

Track learner outcomes and contribute to impact measurement

6. Parent & Stakeholder Engagement

Conduct regular communication with parents/caregivers on learner progress

Support orientation sessions, reviews, and transition planning

Coordinate with external therapists or professionals where required

7. Compliance, Ethics & Organisational Values

Adhere to RCI guidelines, safeguarding norms, and organisational policies

Maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct at all times

Act as a role model for inclusive and respectful practices

Key RequirementsEducation

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education / Psychology / Rehabilitation

RCI certification preferred

Experience

Minimum 13 years experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities

Experience in vocational or skill-training settings is an advantage

Skills and CompetenciesStrong empathy, patience, and communication skillsKnowledge of inclusive education and behavioural strategiesAbility to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teamsOrganised, observant, and documentation-orientedCommitment to dignity, inclusion, and learner successDesired Attitude and MindsetPassionate about people and human resource developmentEfficient, proactive, and highly organisedApproachable and empathetic with a team-first mindsetCollaboration and Stakeholder Interaction

The Special Educator will closely work with:

Faculty F&B Production

Programme Associates, Programme Managers (Reporting Manager)

All staff members for skill training including enrollments, communications and external consultants.

Why Join Veruschka Foundation

At Veruschka Foundation, we empower PwIDDs through a unique culinary-based model that blends disability advocacy, skill-building, and livelihood creation. As we grow, we offer our team:

1.Mission-driven Work: Be part of a purpose-led organisation where your work directly contributes to social change

2.Learning & Development: Opportunities to learn, problem-solve and make decisions to excel in your role

3.Diverse Workforce: An inclusive, collaborative team culture with professionals from multiple sectors

4.360 Growth: A positive, supportive work environment with strong mentorship and guidance

5.Downtime & Wellbeing: Thoughtfully planned time off to support rest and maintain a healthy worklife balance

6.People-first Culture: Regular team bonding activities, an open-door policy and an emphasis on personal growth.