Role Description

The Head of Department (Vocational Training and Rehabilitation) will lead the strategic planning, design, and delivery of vocational education, pre-employment training, and supported employment programs for neurodivergent youth and adults.

The HOD will ensure that vocational services are aligned with national standards (RCI, RPWD Act, 2016, NIEPID) and international best practices (NICE, WHO-ICF) — focusing on independence, employability, and community participation.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Plan, execute, and monitor department goals, budgets, and partnerships with industries and training institutions.
• Establish frameworks for vocational assessment, job matching, and skill training.
• Supervise vocational instructors, job coaches, and program coordinators.

2. Program Development

• Design individualized Vocational Rehabilitation Plans (VRPs) integrating occupational, behavioral, and functional assessments.
• Introduce skill clusters (hospitality, bakery, arts, animal care, computer skills, etc.).
• Implement supported employment models and post-placement monitoring.

3. Collaboration

• Coordinate with Special Education, OT, and Psychology departments for readiness-to-work training.
• Partner with corporate, government, and NGO sectors for placement pipelines.

4. Research and Capacity Building

• Conduct vocational research on training outcomes and industry adaptation.
• Organize staff training on workplace adaptations and assistive technology.

Requirements

Key Qualities

• Strong leadership in skill-based curriculum design.
• Knowledge of supported employment, functional assessment, and job coaching models.
• Strategic partnerships and community networking skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Rehabilitation Science / Vocational Education / Special Education / Psychology / Occupational Therapy or related field.
• RCI registration (where applicable).

Professional Experience

• 10–15 years of experience in managing vocational or rehabilitation programs for neurodivergent populations.

Benefits

Careers are made to last at the India Autism Center. We make you an incomprehensible promise: With benefits created to support you at all stages of life, our employees grow professionally and personally while making a difference in society.

Our benefits are built on core categories of health, financial security, learning, personal & professional development.